2006-12-01 04:28:54 · 3 answers · asked by Linda S 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Beer, Wine & Spirits
The meaning of crystal versus glass changes according to the country. The word "crystal" means, in most of the western world, the presence of lead. According to European Union rules, glass goods containing less than 4% lead are defined as "glass". Goods containing more than 10% lead are defined as "crystal", and goods containing more than 30% lead are defined as "highly leaded crystal". In the USA it is the opposite - glass is defined as "crystal" if it contains only 1% lead. In the Czech republic, the term "crystal" is used for any exquisite, high quality glass. Leaded crystal means crystal containing more than 24% lead oxide.
The presence of lead in crystal softens the glass and makes it more accessible for cutting and engraving. Lead increases the weight of the glass and causes the glass to diffract light. Glass can contain up to 40% lead, if maximum hardness is desired. On the other hand, crystal can contain less than 24% lead if it has a high proportion of barium oxide, which ensures high quality light diffraction.
The difference between glass and crystal is evident to the eye, and we can see it when a crystal chandelier casts color spectrums through the whole room. The higher the lead content, the more dazzling the chandelier.
2006-12-01 04:31:34 · answer #1 · answered by EllisFan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In true lead crystal, a small amount of lead is added to the molten glass. This makes the glass "sparkle" more, but also makes it more brittle (it breaks easier).
Almost nobody makes true lead crystal anymore -- when science found out how dangerous lead was to humans, they found other additives to crystal that would give the same sparkle without the health dangers.
2006-12-01 04:36:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all Crystal glasses have lead the lead is added to the glass mix prior to blowing to increase the luster and color in the clear glass. Levels of lead in fine crystal are not a threat in small amounts the problem arises in daily use. If you have a set of vintage crystal you only use at holiday time it is not really a concern but if you use them every day you risk developing an unsafe level of lead in your blood stream.
2006-12-01 04:41:46 · answer #3 · answered by Walking on Sunshine 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Glasses.
2016-03-18 00:34:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
LEADED crystal has lead added. It is not sufficient to cause harm. Not all crystal is leaded crystal, however.
2006-12-01 04:31:12 · answer #5 · answered by stevijan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As explained above, there is lead in the glass, not soluble or likely to cause any harm.
2006-12-01 06:01:18 · answer #6 · answered by loon_mallet_wielder 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
woah i didnt even know there was lead sorry dont know thanks a lot thougha
2006-12-01 04:31:32 · answer #7 · answered by xoxogirl 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
never !! only ceramic pottery are.
2006-12-01 04:31:02 · answer #8 · answered by mukyon1 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋