Once upon a time, I worked in a store noted for its china and crystal. I was told that bone china contained 'bone', yes, animal bone to make it stronger. I was shown how to turn a cup upside down and stand on it ( in my lighter days) in order to show the customers how durable it was. I never broke a cup. I have had my china for all of my married life- almost 40 years. I have used it on every occasion, my kids ate off of it as soon as possible and I'm trying, to no avail, to get my kids to let their kids use it. I have broken one piece and that was my fault. I am not planning on taking it with me, nor do I care if my family wants it. So I enjoy it as much as I can now.