What is the Difference Between Glass and Crystal?
At first glance, it’s definitely difficult to tell what it is exactly that differentiates standard glass from crystals. It’s important to keep in mind that crystals are a subcategory of glass; therefore, all crystal is glass, but not all glass is crystal.
Here, we will be breaking down the features of each, so it’d be easier to tell them apart.
Features of Crystals
- First off, crystal is composed of an entirely different material. It has strengthening materials that allow it to be shaped into different forms, something that the standard glass lacks.
- Crystals are also incredibly clearer compared to glass, hence the phrase “crystal clear.” This makes them an ideal choice for glassware and other decorations.
- Crystals are also heavier. This is due to their composition which includes lead and other metals.
- The lead and metal components found in the crystal allow it to refract light. The light that disperses from it then produces a rainbow hue, adding to its desirability as a decorative object.
- Crystals can also be made a lot thinner than the standard glass. Along with lead, its composition also includes potassium carbonate which enables it to be heated at a lower temperature compared to its glass counterpart.
- Tapping a crystal creates a reverberated ringing sound. Running a wet finger in circular motions around the rim is also a good test to differentiate crystals from standard glass because crystals emanate a subtle tone.
- Crystals are also softer and more malleable than glass which allows for smooth hand-cut details and intricate patterns to be added.
- Crystals also have a narrower rim compared to regular glass.
Features of Glass
- Glass is composed of sand, soda ash, and limestone. Occasionally, other minerals are added to it to alter its colour, durability, and thickness. These minerals include silica and barium.
- Appearance-wise, you can see that standard glass is slightly foggier. The ingredient included in its composition can also affect the colour tint that it shows. For instance, a glass with an iron composition may feature a green tint.
- When compared to crystals of the same design and the same size, the standard glass weighs lighter due to the absence of lead and other metals in its composition.
- The standard glass also has a thicker rim. This can be attributed to the soda lime in its chemical composition, which results in the standard glass requiring a high working temperature. Most glass rims are also reinforced for added strength because of their fragile materials.
- When tapping glass, it makes a clunking noise or a dull chime. These sounds usually do not last long and are often subtle.
- The lack of metal content in glass also means light passes through it without refracting. An example of this would be a glass windowpane. This is because the soda lime found in glass lacks any refracting capabilities.
- There is very little time to add smooth hand-cut details or intricate patterns to glass, considering they harden very quickly. The cuts found on standard glass are, most often than not, sharp, rigid, and brittle.
- Lastly, as glass is not as desirable as a decorative object or a luxury item, they are usually sold in markets at a much cheaper price compared to crystals.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for high-quality crystal glass products, Stag House Replacements is a great place to be. Don’t hesitate to browse through our products. We are available for any inquiries by sending us an email at stag-house-replacements@outlook.com.
You can also reach us by calling 07487769598 or 01708765451. We will be more than happy to provide any assistance you might need.