What materials do you mainly use for ceramic products?
When customers receive a ceramic mug, ceramic bowl, or a set of fine porcelain dinnerware, they often ask, "What material is this made from?" While many recognize the term "ceramic" or "porcelain," these are general terms that refer to a wide range of materials. In fact, ceramic materials vary significantly and are classified into several subcategories, each with its own unique qualities.
At our company, we primarily work with stoneware , new bone china , and dolomite , each of which offers distinct characteristics suitable for various types of ceramic products
Common Ceramic Materials We Use
Stoneware – Also Known as Mid-Temperature Porcelain
Stoneware is a durable, thick ceramic that is perfect for large items like mugs, bowls, and plates. Fired at a mid-range temperature of about 1100°C to 1200°C, it has a medium absorption rate of approximately 5% to 10%, making it ideal for vibrant reactive glaze ceramics. This material is sturdy, slightly rustic in texture, and perfect for everyday dinnerware and custom ceramic products like personalized plates and mugs.
New Bone China
New bone china is a high-quality ceramic material that is known for its fine texture, white, translucent appearance, and high strength. It is fired at temperatures between 1200°C to 1300°C and has a very low absorption rate of less than 0.5%, making it lightweight and durable. It is ideal for creating premium fine bone china dinnerware, elegant tea sets, and custom printed ceramic mugs. This material offers a sleek, polished finish and is commonly used for luxury and high-end products.
Dolomite
Dolomite is a lightweight and fragile ceramic material, often used in creating hand-painted ceramics. It is fired at a lower temperature range of 1000°C to 1100°C, and has a higher absorption rate of over 10%, which makes it suitable for decorative and artistic pieces but not for heavy-duty use. Dolomite’s light texture and smooth surface make it perfect for custom hand-painted products and decorative ceramic pieces. It is widely used for personalized ceramics and custom decorative items.
Material Comparison Table:
| Material | Firing Temperature (°C) | Water Absorption | Features | Ideal Products |
| New Bone China | 1200–1300 | < 0.5% | Fine texture, translucent, lightweight, durable | Premium dinnerware, elegant mugs, tea sets |
| Stoneware | 1100–1200 | 5–10% | Sturdy, rustic, vibrant glazes, mid-temperature | Everyday dinnerware, custom plates, mugs, bowls |
| Dolomite | 1000–1100 | > 10% | Lightweight, fragile, perfect for hand-painting | Hand-painted ceramics, decorative pieces, custom mugs |
Why These Materials?
Each ceramic material is chosen based on the product type and intended use. For example, stoneware is perfect for making large, sturdy items such as plates, bowls, and mugs, while new bone china is used for creating sophisticated pieces like fine dinnerware sets and elegant mugs. Dolomite, being lightweight and easy to break, is perfect for custom hand-painted products that don’t require heavy-duty use but need delicate artistry. Depending on the glaze and firing process, these materials offer unique textures and finishes, making them suitable for a wide range of designs.
Our commitment is to provide custom ceramic products made from the best materials, ensuring high-quality, durable, and beautiful ceramic dinnerware for every customer.