In the world of fine dining, porcelain and bone china are both popular choices for their durability and elegance. However, bone china stands out as a superior form of porcelain due to its unique composition.
Porcelain, which serves as the base for both materials, is typically made from clay, quartz, and feldspar. These ingredients are fired at high temperatures to create a strong, non-porous finish. While porcelain is known for its strength and translucent appearance, bone china takes it a step further by incorporating bone ash alongside clay and minerals.
The inclusion of animal bone ash, making up around 30-50% of bone china, adds strength to the material. This enhancement makes bone china more resilient than traditional porcelain.
Here's why bone china is often considered a better choice:
1. **Brighter White Colour**: Bone china, with its bone ash content, boasts a brighter white colour compared to traditional porcelain. This makes it ideal for showcasing intricate designs.
2. **More Translucent, Stronger and Lightweight**: Bone china has a subtle translucency that gives it a unique radiance.
Additionally, the bone ash contributes to bone china's increased strength and lightweight feel, making it easier to handle.
3. **Versatility**: The addition of bone ash gives bone china a touch of warmth, making it suitable for various table settings and decor styles.
While bone china is highly regarded, it's worth noting that "vegan bone china" has emerged as a viable alternative. Vegan bone china replaces animal bone ash with alternative materials while retaining similar properties and aesthetics. This makes it an attractive option for those who prefer a more sustainable or ethical alternative to traditional bone china.
In summary, bone china's composition, which includes animal bone ash, makes it stronger and more aesthetically appealing than traditional porcelain. This makes bone china the preferred choice for those seeking durable and elegant dinnerware, with vegan bone china offering a compelling alternative for those looking for sustainability or affordability. It is vegan bone china that is offered by Anders & White.