The English term "Chinaware" is translated by the prevailing opinion as "Porcelain". Especially in international markets outside Europe. This is just understandable, because in China neither Marco Polo and his Porcella nor Dr. Wilhelm Pukall had an impact on the historical development of Porcelain. Correct translated this means "Ware from China" and does not distinguish - like we do - between composition of raw materials, firing temperature and different quality classes. Inside the term "chinaware" there is a difference between "Pottery" - "Ceramics" and "Stoneware", which means "Chinaware" just describes ceramic material in general.  

• The amount of Kaoline is a least 50%
• The Body is covered by a Feldspar Glaze
• At firing Sintering of the Body and Melting of the Glaze happen together 

This conditions are easy to read and understand. But behind the scenes there are many "if - then rules", from which we will state a few.   

1st. Rule for Hard Porcelain - Raw Materials

Kaolin provides plasticity and needs for firing high amounts of Quartz (for the hardness) and Feldspar (as "glue" and flux). Depending on the manufacturer, wished colour, hardness and resistance other additives are added.   

2nd. Rule for Hard Porcelain - Glaze

For the glaze used Sodium-Feldspar melts at glaze firing to a "glass-feldspar" and forms together with the body Mullite.    

3rd. Rule for Hard Porcelain - Sintering

To get the quartz - as the hardest raw material in the porcelain mass to the point of melting - the mixture has to be fired above 1.320 °C. Here the Mullit hardens and reinforces the different mineral components into what we call "Hard Porcelain".  

4th. Rule for Hard Porcelain - Porosity of the Body

Without rule 2 and 3 a Body can not reach a Porosity from 0,01 to 0,09% at max. 

5th. Rule for Hard Porcelain - Transparency

Without rule 1 and 3 there is no transparency.

The Principle of Exclusion

From the above given factors an easy Principle of Exclusion is worked out, what is no Hard Porcelain!

• Small amount of Kaolin
• Body without Mullitl
• Firing temperature less than 1.300 °C.

Hard Porcelain in the HoReCa industry

In the group of dish for hotellery and gastronomy hard porcelain takes the first place when it comes to hardness of the glaze and warrantees the smallest corrosion of the glaze. The hygienic advantages of porcelain make it irreplaceable! For further details please read: Porcelain. 

Hard Porcelain at Holst Porzellan

The biggest amount of our collection is produced in the quality hard porcelain. "Alumina Porcelain", "High Alumina" und "Ultra Alumina" have at least this level of quality with a higher gastronomical use. For a better distinguishing read this.

Remember: Feldspar Porcelain from Holst Porzellan/Germany is always also Hard Porcelain!