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You can, in theory, tile your fireplace hearth with most tiles. However just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. For example, it’s much better to use unglazed tiles because glazed tiles are more resistant to cracking under extreme heat. Porcelain is more heat-resistant than ceramic, but you can still design the hearth as you like by putting the most heat-resistant tiles directly under the fire and, if it matches your style, add more decorative tiles further from the center of the fire. 

Both porcelain and ceramic have pros and cons. Porcelain tile is generally more durable than ceramic because it is denser and harder. This makes it less likely to chip, but the hardness can make it slightly brittle. As a result, porcelain tiles are more likely to crack if you drop a heavy object. Ceramic is also generally more affordable than porcelain.

If you want your ceramic tiles to be evenly spaced and installation to take less time, spacers are a crucial part of the installation process.

Like glass tiles, you will not need to seal most porcelain tiles, particularly if the porcelain is already glazed. It depends on quality. Porcelain is very water resistant, but it is not 100% waterproof. To avoid staining, some homeowners use a penetrating sealer. It is also a good idea to seal your grout. Unless you use epoxy grout, grout is very porous and can harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew.