What is the main ingredient in porcelain?

Porcelain is primarily made from kaolin, which is a specific type of clay known for its fine texture and high firing temperature. Kaolin's unique properties allow it to be fired at higher temperatures than other clays, resulting in a hard, white, and translucent ceramic product when properly crafted. This quality distinguishes porcelain from other types of ceramics, such as stoneware or raku, which use different clay bodies and firing techniques.

Colored slips, found in pottery, are used mainly for decorative purposes and do not serve as a primary ingredient in porcelain production. Similarly, stoneware, while a durable form of ceramic made from a different type of clay, lacks the characteristics associated with porcelain. Raku refers to a specific firing process that produces distinctive effects and is not directly related to the core composition of porcelain itself. Therefore, kaolin is the essential ingredient that defines the nature and quality of porcelain.