The difference between Porcelain, Earthenware, Stoneware & Fine Bone China
A concise, clear comparison of common coffee mugs and coffee cups materials, how they differ in composition, hardness, firing temperature, colour and price.
Quick Overview
The basic ingredients when producing ceramic items are: quartz, kaolin and feldspar.
Although porcelain, earthenware, stoneware and fine bone china are often confused. They share the same base raw materials, but the ratios are different. The portions of quartz, kaolin and feldspar are important factors that determine the hardness and durability of the ceramic. Fine Bone China includes a fourth important ingredient, which is bone ash (typically from cattle bones), which adds strength and a translucent appearance.
Comparison of common materials and how they are marketed online.
| Material | Quality / Hardness | Commonly Sold Online As |
|---|---|---|
| Earthenware | ~20% | Earthenware |
| Stoneware | ~85% | Porcelain or Stoneware |
| Porcelain | ~90% | Porcelain |
| Fine Bone China | 100% | Porcelain or Fine Bone |
Note: At Barista Pro we sell only the highest-quality porcelain and ceramic coffee- and tea-mugs.
Ceramic, a very broad term
What “ceramic” actually means
The word ceramic is a general category that includes earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. When an item is described as “ceramic,” it does not by itself indicate quality or hardness — it’s simply the umbrella term for these materials.
Properties of different ceramic tableware types
| Category | Material | Quality / Hardness | Base Colour | Firing Temp | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Earthenware | ~20% | Brown / Grey | 650–900 °C | Low |
| Ceramic | Stoneware | ~85% | Grey | 1200–1300 °C | Medium |
| Ceramic | Porcelain | ~90% | White | 1300–1500 °C | Medium |
| Ceramic | Fine Bone China | 100% | White / Translucent | 1300–1500 °C | High |
Are you looking for strong/durable porcelain cappuccino cups for your coffee bar or professional business? Then please have a look at our thick walled porcelain coffee cups.