What Is Lead Crystal Glass?

Identification

• In order to qualify as lead crystal, the object in question must be not only made of lead glass, but also cut (by either machine or hand) into facets.

Manufacture

• Lead glass is created by using lead oxide as a modifier and stabilizer during the manufacturing process. This differs from normal glass, which uses such chemicals as calcium or potassium oxide.

Significance

• The use of lead oxide increases the refractive qualities of the glass, giving lead crystal its distinctive, bright rainbow refraction.

History

• British businessman George Ravenscroft is credited with discovering the manufacture of lead crystal in the 17th century.

Warning

• It is possible for a lead crystal container to transfer some of its lead content to beverages, if the liquid is left in the container long enough (such as wine stored in a lead crystal decanter).