While softer ceramics are cheaper and can absorb water better, harder ceramics used in construction or industrial purposes absorb less than 0.5% water. The general term for these harder ceramics can be porcelain. They are resistant to scratches, don’t dent and practically never age. Chinaware or china is more delicate primarily because of how thin their construction is. They are mostly used in addressing tableware such as cups, teapots, saucers and small bowls. Porcelain used in homes can take the shape of vases, pots, jars and other heavier containers. As a rule of thumb, remember the following sentence when buying anything made of ceramic. Ceramic can be cheap or costly, china is always brittle, porcelain weighs heavy on the scale as well as on the wallet