Crystal is well-known for being more refined than traditional glass, and with good reason. Crystal and glass are composed of different materials, with crystal lending itself to a greater shine as well as more intricate designs. While glass is made from sand that has been liquified, crystal sets itself apart with something known as flint glass. This specific type of glass is formed with lead content instead of calcium content.
The additional lead oxide results in a higher level of refraction, or in other words, it separates light more than regular glass.
It also allows for more decorative properties. The light refraction in crystal can produce a rainbow effect. Lead crystal is often thinner than glass, as the material can be manipulated during manufacturing to create more delicate shapes without breaking. Confirming the cut glass or lead crystal piece may be easier with a known manufacturing company, year, or location of production. If you know the manufacturer's name, you can research the piece on the Internet to find details about the item, including whether it is lead crystal.
Alison Diefenderfer is a higher educational professional with experience in teaching and tutoring. She has been a freelance writer since and has been published in the science publication "AWIS Magazine. Traditional cut glass candle holders image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia. By: Alison Diefenderfer. More Articles Glass Vs. Cut clarity and smoothness is also an indication of crystal, as glass will have some roughness.
Crystals most commonly occur naturally on the earth, though the process of crystal formation via mechanisms of crystal growth is called crystallization or solidification. While, referring in the same context as glass , crystal refers to well glass. The term crystal is often used to refer to glassware that has a more elegant form than the normal or everyday glassware.
However, that is not the official difference between the two. Actually, there is no official clean cut definition of crystal. Still, the general rule that applies is that crystal is a type of glass that contains lead. Crystal is only a type of glass. They are very delicate than the regular glass. In order to give the crystals more stability and weight, lead is often added to it.
Both crystal and lead crystal glassware comprises of manganese, soda, silica sand and lime. Other materials like borax, arsenic and saltpeter are added to give color. First of all let us look at the cost of the two. Lead crystal is priced higher than the crystals. Lead crystal sparkles more than the crystals.
This is because of the addition of lead oxide, which increases the refractive index. Unlike the crystals, the lead crystals are more clear and bright. Lead crystal is blown and cut by the hand whereas crystals are machine made.
As the lead crystals are hand made, it has added brilliance and sharp facets.
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