metamorphic
Porcelain (White Ceramic)
Mullite-bearing Vitrified Ceramic (Major phases: Mullite Al6Si2O13, Glassy Silica SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pure white; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Microcrystalline and amorphous matrix; Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pure white
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pure white; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Microcrystalline and amorphous matrix; Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
Formation & geological history
Man-made metamorphic process involving the high-temperature firing (1,200°C–1,400°C) of Kaolin (china clay), feldspar, and quartz. This mimics natural contact metamorphism at extreme temperatures.
Uses & applications
Used in dishware (cups, saucers), electrical insulators, bathroom fixtures, and dental laboratory applications high-strength ceramics.
Geological facts
First perfected in China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). Is often referred to as 'fine china' due to its translucent quality and incredible strength for such thin material.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its pure white color, high resonance when struck, and translucency when held to light. Found globally in residential and commercial settings.
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