Porcelain and Crystal stones: differences and similarities

Porcelain and Crystal stones: differences and similarities

Crystal or White Marble and Porcelain or Chinese stones are two types from the same branch (Marbles) but different characteristics. Crystal stone is one of the oldest precious stones that has been used for many centuries. Due to its stunning, transparency and luster, this stone has always been used in making jewelry. Porcelain stone on the other side, is a semi-precious stone that is less resistant to corrosion and erosion. Because of its beautiful colors and unique patterns, this stone is mostly used in building decoration. However, there are other differences between these two types of stones. For example, Crystal stone has a crystalline structure and more transparency, while Porcelain has an opaque and less transparent structure. Therefore, according to the mentioned differences, the choice between these two types, depends on the needs and taste of the costumers. In the continuation of this article, more information is provided around these two glorious stones.

Porcelain and Crystal mines in Iran

In Iran, Crystal and Porcelain stones are extracted from various mines among which, followings are the prime impetuous:

• Eliguderz Crystal mine in Loristan province
• Azna Porcelain mine in Loristan province
• Neiriz porcelain mine in Fars province
• Sirjan Porcelain mine in Kerman province
• Qorve Porcelain mine in Kurdistan province

These mines contains the bests in terms of quality and beauty throughout the country. The stones extracted from them are used in variety of industries such as construction, sculpture, decorations, etc.

Differences between Porcelain and Crystal stones

As we mentioned, in spite of their similarities, Crystal and Porcelain stones have some differences. For instance, Crystal stone has larger and denser crystals than the Porcelain. It also has less water absorption than Porcelain. More details in this about, have discussed through the following lines.

Porcelain stone

Porcelain stone is a kind of igneous rock that is formed by cooling and crystallization of magma in the lower layers of the earth. This stone has a smooth and polished surface, and due to its high resistance to erosion, scratches and corrosion, it is used in the floors of buildings, stairs and external facades.

Crystal stone

Crystal stone is a sedimentary rock that is formed by deposition of minerals in wet and humid areas. This stone has a shiny surface and is used in interior parts of buildings, walls and floors due to its beauty and resistance to stroke and breakage.

Differences between porcelain stone and crystal in terms of features:

Porcelain and Crystal stones differ from each other in terms of appearance and application. In the table below, these two stones are compared.

read more:aligodarz stone

Uses of Crystal and Porcelain stones

Crystal and Porcelain stones are used in different areas due to rate their beauty and strength. Among the uses of Crystal and Porcelain stones, the followings are more common:

• Facade of the buildings: Crystal and porcelain stones are the most widely used materials in the facade of buildings due to their beauty and high resistance.
• Floors and stairs: Both stones (especially the proclain) are suitable materials for floors and stairs due to their high resistance to erosion and corrosion.
• Wall covering: They are popular materials for wall covering due to their beauty and high resistance.
• Sculpture: Crystal stone and somehow the porcelain, are suitable for sculpture.
• Decorations: Porcelain and specifically the Crystal type, are so attractive and desirable materials for decorations too.

Main difference between Crystal and Porcelain stones in terms of application

Due to its high resistance to abrasion and scratches, Porcelain stone is appropriate on the floors, stairs and external facades. But, Crystal is more beautiful than Porcelain and so, is desirable for internal purposes in buildings such as decorations.

Porcelain stone and Crystal coloring

These two stones are originally Limestone or Dolomite stones that have been recrystallized through different conditions of temperature and pressure. Their resistance and colors are completely depends on the conditions, degrees of transformation and chemical components they have had.  Porcelain and Crystal stones are available in a wide range of colors and designs. Common colors of porcelains include white, black, brown, gray and beige and of Crystal stones are white, cream, pink, green and blue.

Porcelain and Crystal stones models(Porcelain and Crystal stones: differences and similarities)

Porcelain stone is one of the most popular stone models in construction. This type, having various colors and different designs, is easily coordinated with other building materials and can be used as one of the main elements of the building facades. Because of its high resistance to water, fire, corrosion and other biological factors, Porcelain is widely used in modern architecture. Common models of Porcelain are included of slabs, tiles, and polished.

Crystal is known as one of the beautiful and attractive building materials with its high transparency and shine. Crystal stone’s structure may be consisted of Quartz, Amethyst or Sodalite.

Overall comparison(Porcelain and Crystal stones: differences and similarities)

Regarding the factors containing of quality, size, color and type of stones, their prices are differ. Porcelain stone is usually composed of minerals such as Feldspar, Quartz and Mica, and accordingly has different colors. Since Porcelain is naturally mined, its price may vary depending on its quality, size, and color.

In comparison to Porcelain, Crystal stone is so transparent and made up of materials such as Silicon Dioxide. As Crystal is very beauteous, it is used in decorative parts and luxury goods and so, its value is higher than Porcelains. Anyhow, the purpose we have, determines the choice we make. If we are to make some decorative parts or have luxury internal decorations, Crystal stones are the best choices but, if our goal is to use the stone in floors, stairs or outer parts of buildings, off course the porcelains will be more appropriate.

Conclusion(Porcelain and Crystal stones: differences and similarities)

Stones are one of the most popular materials in construction industry. These materials are produced and cut in different dimensions and sizes and are used in different parts of the buildings. What costumers picks, is depend on the purpose they have and the money they can pay. In spite of their professional usage, what is matter of importance is that both stones have high qualities and in some case can be used interchangeably.