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Lead Oxide
Lead oxide makes glass reflect rays of light, making it appear like a prism and more crystal-like. The more lead oxide added, along with the right cut and polish, the more sparkle the glass has. Lead crystal contains at least 24 percent lead oxide; full lead crystal contains over 24 percent lead oxide, as high as 38 percent. If you find lead crystal stored in areas lacking oxygen, the lead oxide can stain the crystal. Remove the stain with a 10 to 15 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide.
Use lead crystal with caution to avoid lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can cause reproductive problems, blood disorders, cardiovascular problems, renal or kidney disease and death. Lead leaches into liquids, especially acidic liquids like alcoholic beverages and juice, when sitting around in lead crystal glasses or decanters. For example, it only takes a few minutes for white wine to absorb lead from lead crystal glasses. Drink the liquids right away to avoid ingesting lead. Keep lead crystal away from children and pregnant women.
Silica (Sand)
White and colorless, silica appears abundantly on Earth and represents the main chemical ingredient of sand and the main ingredient in glass. When you heat silica, then allow it to cool, you will have glass. All glass ideally contains 70 to 74 percent silica. Lead crystal usually contains 48 percent silica.
Iron Oxide
Sand contains the mineral iron. Iron oxide, also known as rust, produces a green color when making glass. Lead crystal makers use iron oxide as a pigment and may add more iron oxide for a greener glass.
Potash or Soda
Lead crystal contains 13 to 15 percent potash or soda. Used mainly in Europe, potash, also known as potassium carbonate, comes from wood ash and burnt vegetation. Soda ash, called sodium carbonate, has always been used in glass-making. In Europe, soda ash comes from burnt marine vegetation.