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How to Know If It Is Crystal or Glass?

Objects made from leaded glass, or crystal, are usually more valuable and higher in quality than comparable glass items. Crystal has added lead oxide, which makes the material stronger and clearer than other glass. When shopping for antiques or assessing your personal glassware collection, conduct a few tests to detect crystal items. Since crystal contains lead, do not store food or liquids in crystal containers for an extended period of time.

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the item's clarity. Crystal is completely clear or white, while glass has a greenish or yellowish tint.
- 2
  Hold the item between a light source and a white surface. If a prism appears, the object is crystal. Crystal will also produce a sparkling effect absent from glass.
- 3
  Wet your finger and move it around the rim of a wine glass. If the glass produces a musical tone, it is crystal. Gently tap the rim with your fingernail or a piece of silverware. If the glass rings out in a clear tone, it is crystal. If it produces a dull sound, it is glass.
- 4
  Weigh the object and compare its weight to a known glass item of similar size. A crystal object will be heavier due to the added lead.

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