porcelánu

Porcelán, often referred to in Czech as "porcelán" or "porcelánu," is a type of white, translucent ceramic produced from a mixture of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. The key ingredient, kaolin, gives the material its high strength and low shrinkage, while feldspar acts as a flux to lower the melting temperature of the mixture. When fired at temperatures above 1200 °C, these components vitrify, resulting in a dense, hard material that is both lightweight and durable.

The history of porcelain dates back to the Tang dynasty in China, where the first true porcelain, known as “Yuanjian” and “Ming‑pa,” appeared. Chinese artisans perfected the process of creating a high‑fire, translucent product that could be glazed or remain unglazed. Porcelain spread to Europe during the 17th century, with the establishment of the Meissen factory in Saxony marking the first successful European production of true porcelain. By the 18th and 19th centuries, factories in England, France, and the Netherlands began producing their own varieties, leading to a proliferation of styles ranging from delicate fine china to industrial-strength industrial porcelain.

In contemporary use, porcelain serves in fine tableware, decorative items, and architectural fixtures. Its nonporous surface resists staining and microbial growth, making it ideal for medical equipment and laboratory ware. In addition, porcelain is used in high‑tech applications such as capacitors and electronic substrates, where its insulating properties are valuable.

Modern porcelain manufacturing still relies on the basic raw materials, but advances in kiln technology, atmosphere control, and glaze chemistry allow for a wide range of surface finishes, colors, and structures. Popular porcelain brands such as Royal Copenhagen, Wedgwood, and Villeroy & Boch continue to evolve designs while preserving traditional craftsmanship.