Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Douglass Brown. Douglass Brown is a Glassblowing Expert based in Half Moon Bay, California. He has over 25 years of experience as a glass artist, and is the owner and operator of 2 glass blowing studios in the San Francisco Bay Area, Half Moon Bay Art Glass and Mare Island Art Glass. Douglass believes in sharing hot glass experiences with anyone who wants to learn about the processes of blowing and sculpting glass. When not teaching, Douglass creates glass art that is a mix of his takes on nature and functional glassware. He has also created the Glass Troubadours, which is a mobile glass blowing studio that hosts parties, events, and visits craft shows.
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For certainty, crystal must be distinguished from glass by a professional. However, glass and crystal objects have key differences that anyone can observe. Lift up your item and study it. A crystal item will feel heavier than a glass one of the same size. You will be able to see clearly through it and may even see a rainbow. In addition, crystal makes a musical, ringing sound when bumped against another object.
Steps
Look at the object’s thickness. Crystal is sculpted over a longer time period at lower temperature than glass. Because of this, the lead inside the crystal can be shaped into thinner, more intricate designs. Hold a glass object next to a crystal one and compare the thickness of the material.- On a crystal wine glass, for instance, look for a thinner rim with less of a lip.[1]
Test the clarity of the object. Take a liquid and pour it into the object or hold the object up and look through it. Regular glass is cloudier than crystal. Crystal with a higher lead content provides a clearer view of anything inside or behind it.[2]- For example, a normal drinking glass will make a liquid inside it appear cloudy. Crystal glasses, on the other hand, provide a greater view of the liquid.
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Hold the object up to the light. When you hold glass up to the light, nothing happens. Fine crystal, which has a high lead count, will sparkle. Other crystal acts as a prism, causing you to see a rainbow when looking through it.[3]
Check the object’s weight. Because crystal is often made with lead, it feels heavier than glass. Pick up the object and you should notice it feels solid and with some heft. Pick up a glass object of a comparable size. Most likely, it will feel light.[4]- Lead-free crystal feels lighter and more durable but still shines when held up to the light.[5]
Feel the object for sharpness. Due to the sculpting process, crystal has a smooth, rounded feel. Touch any decorative facets you find. Also run your hand along the object’s surface. Glass feels more brittle, even though crystal is more fragile. The cut on the glass may also feel sharper.[6]
Strike the object to test its sound. Flick the object with your finger or tap it against something solid. If it is crystal, it will ring. If it is glass, it will produce a thud.[7]- Wet your finger and rub it around the object’s rim, if possible. Crystal will produce a musical tone, but glass won’t.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Traditional crystal is made of at least 24% lead. In some areas, objects made with less lead may also be labeled as crystal. Lead-free crystal also exists and is made with zinc oxide, barium oxide, or potassium oxide.Thanks
- Glass stemware is nonporous and can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but crystal cannot.Thanks
Warnings
- Food and liquid can leach lead from crystal and should not be stored in crystal items.Thanks
- Children and pregnant people should never drink from lead crystal.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.friendsofglass.com/design/difference-between-glass-crystal/
- ↑ https://www.friendsofglass.com/design/difference-between-glass-crystal/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzQbccvCmGI
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzQbccvCmGI
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzQbccvCmGI
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgL88tFLMEc
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kruXaxrnTvM
About This Article
To tell the difference between crystal and glass, examine their look and feel. Since crystal is sculpted over a longer period of time at lower temperatures than glass, it can be shaped into thinner, more intricate designs. If you can fill the object with liquid, the regular glass will look cloudier while the crystal one will be more clear. When you hold glass up to the light, you won’t see a difference, but fine crystal will sparkle in the light. Another way to tell the difference between the two is to touch the objects. Often, crystal will feel heavier than glass due to the lead content. Crystal will also feel more smooth and rounded than glass, which will feel more brittle. To learn how to tell crystal from glass by the sound the objects make, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
"I found this small glass bowl while thrifting. This sucker is surprisingly heavy for its size. It's really clear and sparkles a lot in the light. It also rings loud and long when I tap it. After reading this article, I'm sure it's lead crystal. It has no chips, looks perfect and only cost $3.00. I really like it."..." more
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