Porcelain is a type of ceramic made primarily from a fine clay called kaolin, along with other materials like feldspar and quartz. It differs from regular clay ceramics in its composition and firing process.
The main components of porcelain are:
Kaolin Clay: Known for its purity and plasticity, kaolin clay forms the primary ingredient in porcelain. It's fine-grained and white, lending porcelain its characteristic color.
Feldspar: This mineral helps lower the melting point during the firing process, contributing to the vitrification (transformation into glass-like substance) of the porcelain.
Quartz: Quartz, in the form of silica, provides strength and durability to the porcelain body.
The key distinction between porcelain and other types of ceramics lies in the firing temperature. Porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures, typically above 1,200 degrees Celsius (2,200 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in a dense, non-porous, and translucent material.
The glaze used on porcelain serves as a decorative and protective coating. It's a thin, glass-like layer composed of minerals and pigments that is applied to the surface of the fired porcelain. The glaze enhances the appearance, adds color or patterns, and provides resistance to staining and scratching.
So, while porcelain itself is not clay with glaze, it is a type of ceramic primarily made from clay (kaolin) and fired at high temperatures, and the glaze is applied separately as a finishing touch.
