As a specialist in the field of ceramics, I can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the differences between China and porcelain. The term "China" is often used interchangeably with "porcelain," but they are not the same. In fact, "China" can refer to two distinct concepts: the country of China, known for its rich history in ceramics production, and the type of ceramic material itself, which is a high-quality form of porcelain.

Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that has been produced for thousands of years. It is characterized by its white or off-white color, translucency, and the presence of a vitreous glaze. Porcelain is made by firing clay at high temperatures, typically between 1200°C and 1400°C, which results in a hard, durable, and often translucent material. The composition of porcelain includes kaolin, a type of clay, along with other materials such as feldspar and quartz.

Bone china, on the other hand, is a specific type of porcelain that includes an additional ingredient: bone ash. This ingredient is what gives bone china its unique characteristics. Bone china is known for its fineness, translucency, and a slightly milky white color. It is also lighter and more delicate than regular porcelain. The bone ash content in bone china can range from 25% to 50%, which contributes to its strength and durability, despite being thinner.

The process of making bone china involves mixing bone ash with the traditional porcelain ingredients and then firing the mixture at high temperatures. The bone ash not only imparts a unique color and translucency but also makes the china more resistant to chipping and breaking. However, it is worth noting that while bone china is strong, it is not as durable as regular porcelain when it comes to the glaze. The glaze on bone china is often softer and can be more prone to scratches and wear.

In terms of usage, both bone china and porcelain are used for making dinnerware, decorative items, and art pieces. However, bone china is often preferred for its elegance and fineness, making it a popular choice for high-end tableware and collectibles.

To summarize, while both bone china and porcelain are types of ceramics, bone china is a subtype of porcelain that includes bone ash, which gives it a distinct appearance and set of properties. The inclusion of bone ash results in a product that is thinner, more translucent, and has a milky white color, but with a softer glaze that may not be as durable as that of regular porcelain.

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Bone china is usually thinner and the glaze is smoother than porcelain china. The glaze, however, is not as durable as porcelain china since it is softer. "Bone china" starts the same way as porcelain china but includes an extra ingredient, bone ash. ... Bone ash gives the body of the plate a unique milky white color.read more >>