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How to Distinguish Crystal From Glass

Glass and crystal can be found anywhere from dishes, stemware and vases to ornaments, furniture and even jewelry. Adding lead oxide to glass during the manufacturing process produces what is commonly known as crystal. Crystal is often more desirable than regular glass--and more expensive as well. Some simple investigation can give you reasonable certainty when evaluating the difference.

Things You'll Need

Glass
Crystal

Instructions

- 1
  Look through the object. Crystal is clear, almost white. Glass has a gray, green or yellow tint.
- 2
  Examine the thickness of the piece. Artisans can typically blow crystal much thinner than glass.
- 3
  Tap the object with your fingernail. Crystal produces a noticeable and musical "ping." Glass produces a dull "thud" with little or no ring.
- 4
  Compare the object's weight to a similar-sized object. Crystal of the same volume will be heavier than glass because it contains lead, which is considerably more massive than glass.
- 5
  Look for seams or marks made by a mold. Glass will not cut or mold as accurately as crystal, and the difference can often be felt by running your fingers over the object. Crystal will be smooth, straight and crisp. Glass will have sharper edges, and more imperfections on smooth surfaces.

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