Unveiling the Difference Between Glass vs Crystal
The choice between glass and crystal can make a world of difference in terms of appearance, quality, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Lucaris Crystal, the creator of the world’s most remarkable & award-winning crystal stemware collections such as The Elements, Desire, Gran, and Rims, has successfully demystified the distinctions between glass and crystal for you.
To begin with, the term “glass” is an inclusive term, whereas “crystal” represents a specific subset within the glass category. Glass and crystal, both are manufactured with a similar process but differ in terms of material composition.
How to Technically Differentiate Glass and Crystal?
Compositional Values
During the manufacturing process, glass and crystal undergo a similar procedure: heating in a furnace until molten and further shaping using a glassblower. However, what makes them different is the composition of materials. Glass is created by melting silica, soda ash, and lime (occasionally sand and barium too), while crystal also uses a percentage of lead oxide in addition with other elements. The addition of lead oxide contributes to its clarity and brilliance, along with its ability to refract light beautifully.Functionality
Glass is known for its simplicity and adaptability, making it an ideal choice for various purposes, from regular drinkware to decorative objects. They are most suitable for everyday use and are versatile in nature. Crystal on the other hand is a superior and more elegant form of glass which makes it a symbol of luxury and sophistication. This makes it a perfect addition to any special occasion or high-end dining setting. Among many of its uses, crystal wine glasses are most loved due to their functional advantage of a thin rim in enhancing the wine-drinking experience.
Factors to Differentiate Glass vs Crystal
Both glass and crystal possess distinct characteristics, ranging from chemical composition to functionality. However, differentiating them could also involve factors like weight, their ability to refract light and transmit sound waves.Appearance
Crystal glassware exhibits exceptional brilliance and a captivating sparkle. This makes crystalware glasses an undeniable choice for high-end, luxurious settings.
Weight
Crystal and crystalline glass are denser than glass, their added strength means that they can be blown super thin and so crystal glasses can be much thinner and lighter than glass ones. The distribution of weight is also important: the weight of the base and the weight of the bowl must be balanced so that the glass is comfortable to hold and swirl.Thickness
Glass usually needs a high temperature for melting, which makes it hard swiftly. This results in a thick rim. Also, as glass is more fragile, the rim is reinforced to add strength to the glass, creating a broader rim. Crystal glassware, with the glass composition and technology allows crystal glassware less thickness than glass while still not affecting its strength. The fine rim of the crystal adds to a tactile sensation of opulence and refinement, heightening the drinking experience.Sound
Glass when tapped, produces a regular chime that is softer in nature. The generated sound is usually for a short duration and subtle. Tap a crystal glass and it produces a captivating and prolonged bell-like melodious ring which creates an auditory experience. The unique clinking sound is also one of the reasons why crystal is the first choice for making special celebratory toasts. Explore crystalware glasses by Lucaris Crystal.How is Lucaris Crystal Different?
Recent Posts
