What is Spode “Stone China,” and why do collectors mention it?

Spode “Stone China” refers to a hard-wearing ceramic body developed for hard use, placed between earthenware and true porcelain in feel and toughness. It was marketed as a strong, serviceable tableware option that could take daily handling. Collectors bring it up for two reasons, first, many pieces carry “Stone China” in the backstamp, which is a dating clue, and second, the body type helps explain why some Spode wares survive in large, complete services. Stone China pieces can show the same printed decoration style people associate with Spode, paired with a heavier body and a solid, opaque look. If you see a Spode backstamp naming “Stone China,” it often points to 19th-century production and export-driven ranges.