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Maybe you assumed that bone china was so named because it’s vaguely bone-colored, or because it’s sturdier than other types of dinnerware. Maybe you’ve never thought about this at all. Whatever the case, we regret to inform you that the
bone in
Basically, the bones are
calcined, or heated to a high enough temperature that there’s nothing organic left in them. After that, they’re pulverized into a powder known as
bone ash, which contains calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen. Not only does bone ash help china hold up better against chipping, it also gives it a translucency that makes it seem extra delicate. This quality is also a good way to tell if your bone china is bona fide; as The Spruce Crafts explains, the outline of your fingers should be discernible through the porcelain when held in front of a light.