Vitreous china had additional coating and baking to be more durable, stain resistant and easier to clean. In other words, it adds a porcelain finish to the china. It was mostly used in restaurants and institutions from the late 1880 's to the 1940's. Today, bathroom fixtures and kitchen fixtures are still made with the vitreous process.

Fine china is extremely delicate. Usually having a bone (animal) based clay, it can not withstand the additional processing so it is not at all durable and chips very easily.