As we know, JianZhan Teacup (Tenmoku Teacup) is made from porcelain. Porcelain and ceramic appear to be identical. However, they are unique. There are 6 main differences between porcelain and ceramic.
1. Porcelain & ceramic have different firing temperature
The firing temperature of ceramic is generally lower than that of porcelain, with the lowest even reaching below 800°C and the highest being around 1100°C. The firing temperature of porcelain is relatively high, mostly above 1300°C, and some even reach about 1400°C.
2. Porcelain & ceramic have different densityThe firing temperature of the ceramic is low, the green body is not completely sintered, the sound is questioned when percussion, the hardness of the carcass is poor, and some can even use a steel knife to draw groove marks. The firing temperature of porcelain is high, the carcass is sintered, the sound is crisp when knocked, and it is difficult to draw groove marks on the surface of the carcass with ordinary steel knives.
3. Porcelain & ceramic have different raw materials
The ceramic can be fired by using ordinary clay, while the porcelain needs to choose a specific material and use the kaolin as the blank. When the firing temperature is at the required temperature stage for ceramic, it can become ceramic. For example, ancient white ceramic was produced in this way. At the temperature required for firing porcelain, the kaolin clay becomes porcelain. However, when the body made of clay, which is generally used for making ceramic, is fired at 1200°C, it is impossible to become porcelain and will be melted into glass.
4. Porcelain & ceramic have different transparencyThe green body of ceramic is not translucent even if it is relatively thin. For example, the black ceramic of the Longshan Culture is as thin as an eggshell but not transparent. Porcelain carcasses are translucent regardless of thickness.
5. Porcelain & ceramic have different glazes
There are two kinds of ceramic: unglazed and glazed. The glaze of ceramic with hanging glaze can be melted at a lower firing temperature. There are two kinds of glazes for porcelain, which can be fired with the carcass at a high temperature at one time, or a low-temperature glaze can be hung on the high-temperature bisque fired carcass and fired at a low temperature for the second time.
6. Porcelain & ceramic have a different Water absorptionThe water absorption of ceramic is usually higher than 5%, and porcelain is lower than 0.5%. Therefore, porcelain is more suitable as a water/tea container.