How is Limoges hard porcelain different from soft porcelain?

Hard paste porcelain uses kaolin as the base clay, and this clay is fired at very high temperatures. The result is a dense, glossy body that is scratch-resistant and adheres well to cutlery. Soft paste porcelain uses different formulations and a lower firing range, often resulting in a softer body that is more prone to cracking and chipping. Limoges became closely associated with the production of hard paste when the kaolin springs near the region validated the method. Many descriptions of Limoges porcelain list kaolin, feldspar, quartz, and water as standard ingredients, reflecting the hard paste production method. On a thin edge, pieces of hard paste can show a clean, slightly translucent edge in the light, and with a gentle (careful) tap, a crisp ring appears.