What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain?

What is ceramic and how does it differ from porcelain?

Ceramics consist of the materials clay, loam and water. However, ceramics is also the generic term for products that are made from clay or clay-like raw materials and fired.

The three main categories of ceramics are

Porcelain

stoneware

earthenware

Porcelain is therefore a specific type of ceramic, as are stoneware and earthenware. The various materials differ in their composition, firing temperature and properties. The burning process in combination with the raw materials determines whether the end product is rather fine and translucent or coarse and robust.

The typical properties of ceramics include their hardness, resistance and versatility in design. Whether for everyday use or as a decorative element, ceramics are very popular due to their diverse properties and shapes - especially when it comes to high-quality tableware.

Porcelain vs. stoneware

Porcelain: Porcelain impresses with its fine, smooth and translucent surface, which gives it an incomparable elegance. The high kaolin content ensures a flawless, fine texture and a slight transparency that gives porcelain a particularly elegant and high-quality appearance. This look makes it the ideal choice for festive occasions and sophisticated tableware where aesthetics and sophistication are paramount.

Stoneware: Stoneware has a rather matt and rustic look that radiates a natural, natural charm. Its thicker structure and coarse-grained composition make it appear more robust and is ideal for modern, minimalist or country-inspired designs. Stoneware offers a versatile aesthetic that is perfect for both everyday use and creative, decorative tableware arrangements.

The combination of stoneware and porcelain tableware in particular offers the opportunity to harmoniously unite different material and style worlds and create a unique table ambience. While Rosenthal porcelain sets festive accents with its timeless elegance and fine sheen, stoneware tableware from Rosenthal adds a natural, warm note that creates a cozy atmosphere. This mixture of elegant and rustic lends every table setting a special aesthetic and leaves room for individual design options.

Rosenthal offers precisely this stylish combination with its collections such as Rosenthal Junto and Rosenthal Joyn. The collections combine the finest porcelain elements with the robust look of stoneware, creating a harmonious interplay of elegance and naturalness - ideal for any occasion, whether festive or everyday.