Did you know that when it comes to glassware, all crystal is glass but not all glass is crystal? While they may be made similarly, their composition, weight, and even sounds vary based on each material. We are here to help you delve deeper into the crystal vs. glass debate so you can better understand which glassware is better for your needs.

What Is Crystal vs. Glass?

Crystal is typically associated with fine dining, the type of glassware you only bring out for special occasions. It is considered more luxurious than glass and typically costs more, but why? What is the difference between the two and how can you tell?

Tip!

If you are interested in learning more about the many types of wine glasses, read our guide Types of Wine Glasses: Everything You Need to Know.

1. Crystal vs. Glass: Composition

At its core, glass is primarily composed of three main ingredients: silica (derived from sand), soda ash (or sodium bicarbonate), and limestone (which contains calcium carbonate), all heated until molten and then worked to form shapes.

Crystal: It is made with the same base ingredients as glass but the key feature is that crystal contains added minerals like lead-oxide or metal-oxide as well as potassium carbonate, and silica. Crystal can contain anywhere from 2% – 30% minerals to make it more durable.

Glass: It is an inert and natural material made from raw materials found in nature. Once glass is formed from those three core ingredients, it is possible to add other minerals silica and barium to manipulate the color, thickness, and durability of the final glassware.

2. Crystal vs. Glass: Appearance

Crystal: Has incredible clarity and brilliance that is glossier and more transparent than glass. Wine also looks better in crystal which is why it is used at high-end functions and tastings.

Glass: It is often slightly foggy and can even feature a tint based on the ingredients in the composition. For example the addition of iron will create a green tint, and soda-lime will result in a blue tint.

3. Crystal vs. Glass: Refraction

Crystal: The lead and metal content in crystal makes it so it can refract light that passes through it. This means the light will disperse from the crystal in a rainbow hue, making it desirable for decorations and tableware.

Glass: Due to an extremely low metal content, light will pass through glass like a windowpane without refracting. Additionally, the soda-lime in glass lacks refracting abilities.

4. Crystal vs. Glass: Weight

Crystal: Since it contains lead or other metals, crystal tends to be heavier than standard glass with the same design.

Glass: It is lighter in weight because it does not contain those same minerals as crystal does.

Tip!

Not all crystal contains lead. Lead-free crystal exists, making it safe for food storage without the concern for the lead leaching into the food.

5. Crystal vs. Glass: Thickness

Crystal: The lead and potassium carbonate composition of crystal means it can be heated at lower temperatures than glass. This means the material can be easily worked with and made to be extremely thin. The additional chemicals also serve to strengthen the crystal while being stretched further than what glass can be.

Glass: The soda-lime in glass means it needs a high working temperature. It also hardens much quicker after being melted, which results in a thick rim. Glass is also more fragile than crystal, so most glass rims will be reinforced for additional strength.

6. Crystal vs. Glass: Durability

Crystal: Although it is thinner than glass, crystal is the stronger of the two. This added strength means crystal can be cut or molded into thin delicate shapes that are typically thinner than glass but will last much longer, never lose its shine, and won't scratch.

Glass: This material needs a specific thickness in order not to break, resulting in thick bowls and rims. This reinforcement does help to prevent chips and cracks.

7. Crystal vs. Glass: Sound

Crystal: When you tap a crystal glass, it produces a satisfying bell-like ringing sound. The lead content in the material also allows the sound to be slightly prolonged.

Glass: When tapped or flicked, glass provides a dull chime. The sound is usually short in length and subtle.

Now you know what to check for, you will easily be able to tell the difference between crystal vs. glass, especially when held side-by-side.

You Might Also Like: