Hi friends! When purchasing wine glasses, there’s so many factors to take into consideration: material, shape, style, how it’s crafted, etc. Although there are many different materials to choose from on the market, we will be discussing the differences in fragile (material) glassware, such as the crystals—unleaded and leaded—and glass. The primary difference between glass and crystal is that crystal, leaded or unleaded, contains minerals which in return strengthens the material, making it durable while also thin and tapered. Its flexibility yet strength makes crystal glassware the ideal material for being engraved. Glass needs a certain thickness or bulk to not break or crack, while the crystal glasses are typically created elongated, elegant, and thin.

Since crystal can be crafted thick or thin, it allows the artisans more creative freedom. The art of hand blowing crystal is truly beautiful and a gift. It has been around since the 1^st century BC and is still wildly respected to this day. Crystal also has more clarity and brilliance then when compared to glass. When in contact with the sun’s rays, it reflects a rainbow, while also remaining overall glossy and bright—all which are more appeasing to the eye! When compared to glass wine glasses, crystal is more durable and has a longer shelf life. Crystal glasses will never lose their shine and are hard to scratch, therefore, making them a better choice when compared to glass. Crystal has an overall lighter weight when compared to glass. Crystal gives off a beautiful ringing noise when a wet finger is circled around the brim. That musical ringing and echo will help you distinguish the difference of crystal to glass.

The Composition Differences Between Lead Crystal and Unleaded Crystal 

For those of you that are interested in the scientific differences between glass, lead crystal, and unleaded crystal, keep reading!

Traditional full lead crystal must contain a minimum of 30% lead oxide, but any glass containing at least 24% lead oxide is classified as lead crystal. Unlike common misconception, the lead is arranged in such a way that it is ‘trapped’ within the chemical structure of the glass and does not pose a risk to human health over short term periods of use. A popular modern alternative is known as lead-free crystal. This crystal is produced by simply replacing lead oxide with zinc oxide, potassium oxide, or barium oxide, and results in a similar product. The main difference is that the addition of lead increases the refractive index of the crystal glass, causing light to pass through the material more slowly, making it appear clearer and less flawed to the human eye. This results in clear and shining glasses.

In their classification, crystal glass will fall under one of four categories:

1. Full Lead Crystal – Lead Oxide content ≥ 30%
2. Lead Crystal – Lead Oxide content ≥ 24% but less than or equal to 30%
3. Crystal Glass – (crystalline) – Lead Oxide/Barium Oxide/Zinc Oxide/Potassium Oxide ≥ 10%
4. Crystal Glass – (crystalline) – Lead Oxide/Barium Oxide/Potassium Oxide ≥ 10%

The Scientific Differences Between Glass and Crystal 

Glass is a solid inorganic (man-made, lacking carbon-hydrogen bonds) material that has an amorphous (non-crystalline, lacking arranged order), unordered atomic structure. When forming glass at high temperatures, the materials are next suddenly cooled rapidly, forcing the atoms into a disordered matter held together by tight chemical bonds. The formation process of glass is commonly referred to as bypassing crystallization, as the process of forming a crystalline structure is skipped through the speed of the rapid and dramatic temperature change. This results in the formation of an amorphous solid rather than a crystalline structure seen in organic solids. Amorphous solids, such as glass, lack the long-range order that crystalline structures have, but instead hold short-range order through the chemical bonding of its atoms. This produces glass that is rigid and hard, but fragile. The reactivity of glass with different materials and heat is minimum, so glass can often be washed in the dishwasher safely. The addition of strengthening minerals such as lead oxide, zinc oxide, potassium carbonate, and silica make up crystal glass. Washing your crystal glass at too high of a temperature runs the risk of producing a chemical reaction that will stain the crystal and give it a cloudy appearance. Therefore, hand washing your crystal glassware is always recommended!

We hope this helps you distinguish the differences between glass and crystal glass! Visit our blogs for new tips, recipes, or information regarding everything crystal and alcohol.