What is the distinction between glass and crystal?

All crystal is glass, however not all glass is crystal. How does that work? What’s the distinction between glass and crystal?

Nicely, your trusty glass artists is right here once more to elucidate the variations and similarities between these two versatile supplies.

The time period crystal is usually used to seek advice from glassware that has a extra fantastic and stylish type.

Nevertheless, that’s not the official distinction between these two supplies.

So, what sort of glass is crystal? And the way are they completely different?

Glass

Glass is an inert and pure materials, produced from uncooked supplies which can be ample in nature and sustainably sourced, similar to sand, soda ash and limestone.  Different minerals like silica and barium could be added to govern the colour, sturdiness, and thickness to create several types of glass – similar to that we all know as crystal.

• Glass is often extra reasonably priced than crystal
• Is non-porous and dishwasher secure
• Borosilicate glass gives a high-end sturdy glass choice

Crystal

Not like the identify suggests, crystal glass doesn’t include a crystalline construction. The identify stems from the Italian phrase “Cristallo”, which was used for high-end hand-blown glass in Murano, Italy. 

Completely different nations and practices differ on the minimal lead content material that earns a “crystal” classification.  2% by weight in USA and as much as and as much as 18-35% in Europe! 

Typically it goes even increased if it isn’t to be used as a sensible vessel, like a statue or one thing. 

So this implies crystal is a subcategory of glass, made in the identical means, however with completely different parts.

That’s the explanation why all crystal is glass, however not all glass is crystal.  For some time, individuals known as crystal “Lead glass” however the identify didn’t ever come into widespread utilization.

In accordance with John Kennedy, Head of Technical Companies on the fantastic Waterford glass firm in Waterford, Eire, there are very particular pointers for what constitutes actual crystal.

There are three main standards for crystal as established by the European Union in 1969: a lead content material in extra of 24%, a density in extra of two.90 and a reflective index of 1.545. Nevertheless, outdoors of the European Union, this definition is often disregarded. In america, any glass with greater than 1% of lead content material is termed as crystal.

It incorporates strengthening minerals like lead-oxide, potassium carbonate or barium oxide to make the fabric extra sturdy. The added power permits the crystal to be molded into skinny, delicate shapes, which we regularly affiliate with subtle craftmanship and class. 

Waterford crystal artist Jim Buckley marking crystal with a design able to be reduce.

Ultimately it’s a private selection as as to whether you wish to take the chance of utilizing leaded crystal to serve or eat or drink with. If, in the long run, you merely can’t comfortably drink a glass of wine out of your leaded crystal then think about using a few of your items as show objects or as upscale vases for flowers. There’s definitely no different materials that glitters and shines like crystal- one of many many the explanation why these items are thought of heritage items in lots of households.  Extra particulars from “Dusty Previous Factor“.

Glass vs. crystal: which one can I recycle?

Glass itself is sustainable, inert, and 100% recyclable, reusable and refillable. It may be recycled endlessly with out shedding any of its high quality or purity. 

bullseyeglass.com/aqua-blue-tint-casting-cullet

Recycled glass, additionally known as cullet, is definitely crucial ingredient in glass manufacturing.  The advantage of utilizing cullet to supply new jars and bottles is that it makes use of 40% much less power than virgin supplies to be melted and formed. By growing the quantity of cullet that goes into manufacturing of recent glass merchandise then valuable pure sources and power are being conserved!  Each 10% improve in cullet, results in a 3% discount in power consumption. That’s why it‘s so vital for all of us to recycle our glass containers.  

Crystal alternatively is considered one of the varieties of glass that can’t be recycled as a result of it’s made with added supplies, similar to barium, potassium and zinc oxide.  That’s why it may possibly’t be recycled along with your jars and bottles.

Glass vs. crystal: which one is strongest?

Energy and sturdiness

As a result of crystal is made with added minerals, the fabric is stronger and extra sturdy.  In fact, crystal ought to be dealt with with care, however your assortment of crystal glass ware ought to by no means lose its shiny look and hopefully it’ll rarely scratch. 

Not like glass, crystal is gentle sufficient that with particular instruments it may be hand-cut with particulars added to its floor with out compromising its sturdiness or construction. The fabric will also be molded and formed extra simply than glass, permitting the artist so as to add completely different intricate patterns.  Nevertheless, a part of the explanation crystal is costlier than glass, can be as a result of it’s perceived as extra elegant and complex. Its added substances make it barely porous, giving it the flexibility to refract mild.  Crystal ought to by no means be put in a dishwasher or washed with sizzling water or harsh chemical substances.  (Its barely porous – keep in mind.)

Glass is a less expensive choice and extensively obtainable as a result of it requires much less supplies to be produced, making it extra reasonably priced for us all. It will also be crafted into a variety of various designs.

A float glass hat made by Jenie Yolland

What are glass and crystal finest used for?

Glass is likely one of the most steady packaging supplies. Because of its inertness, there isn’t a danger of dangerous chemical substances coming into contact with meals or drinks. This makes it a secure choice for long-term storage and safety of meals and drinks.  

Crystal, as compared, incorporates extra components, particularly lead oxide. Because of the attainable contamination from lead oxide into your meals or drinks, it’s usually suggested to not use this for meals storage. Nevertheless, underneath regular consumption situations, little hazardous lead is launched, making it secure to make use of.  

That stated, the growing considerations of lead crystal have led to the event of “lead-free crystal glass.”  To make crystal safer for meals storage, the one distinction is that the lead oxide within the manufacturing is changed with barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide.

Reducing crystal in Waterford Eire – my husband has visited the works and watched these outstanding artists working. I’m so jealous!

How will you inform the distinction between glass and crystal?

The principle distinction is that crystal incorporates anyplace from 2–30% minerals (lead or lead-free), making it attainable to supply sturdy however skinny glasses.  

It is usually extra clear, brighter and thinner, making it a fascinating selection for high-end glassware and decorations. Its refracting properties are like a prism, decomposing the sunshine coming by way of within the type of a rainbow. 

Common glass is usually a bit of bit foggy in look and might sometimes characteristic a tint primarily based on the substances in its composition. It could possibly have a inexperienced tint if made with iron or a blue tint if made with soda lime. It’s additionally sometimes lighter in weight compared to crystal items of the identical design.  

Lastly, probably the most well-known distinction is the sound. Glass gives a uninteresting, quick, and delicate chime when tapped or flicked along with your finger. When tapping crystal you hear a satisfying bell-like ringing sound, as completely different added supplies enable the sounds to be barely extended. 

So, now that all of the variations between glass and crystal and how you can spot them, you may make extra knowledgeable selections when selecting the best merchandise to purchase! 

What glass do I take advantage of in my studio?

I don’t use crystal glass in my studio I take advantage of glass that’s known as Soda Glass that we name “float” glass due to how its made.  It “floats” by way of the manufacturing course of on rollers. You may see the slight inexperienced tinge right here in a the glass objects I’ve made utilizing float glass, like this beautiful 50 x 50 Christmas “Sunflower” platter and attendant sushi plates. Float glass is less expensive than the colored artwork glass I take advantage of and sometimes appears to be like actually nice. If you wish to make one thing in float glass, please let me know by emailing me at [email protected] and I’ll create a workshop particularly for you.

Sunflower Platter and sushi plates by Jenie Yolland

Listed here are just a few extra practical works that I’ve created utilizing “float” glass. It’s such a versatile product and in contrast to crystal it’s dishwasher secure.

Thanks, as at all times, for studying!

speak quickly,

jenie

Tags: Bacarrat crystal decanters float glass glass v crystal Lalique lead crystal lead glass lead ranges Orrefors Waterford Eire