Do you want to add a sophisticated touch to your at-home dining experience or plan a classy event? Whatever you are planning, you will probably find yourself rummaging around the China cabinet to take out your good crystals, especially crystal glass jugs, to adorn the tables.
When it comes to high-end dining, crystal glass has always been the
first choice because it is considered more luxurious and opulent than standard
glass. However, you need to know the difference between the two to help set
your table for your upcoming event.
When crystal and glass are compared, crystal is a type of glass
containing strengthening materials like potassium carbonate, lead-oxide and
silica. The added strength enables the crystal to be moulded into delicate,
thin shapes. On the other hand, standard glass is made with soda ash, sand and
limestone. As a result, it is durable but cannot be moulded as thin as crystal.
Read along to take a deeper look at their differences.
- Appearance
Crystal boasts high clarity, and therefore, it is a desirable choice for
high-end decorations and glassware. Glass, on the other hand, is slightly foggy
and feature a tint according to the ingredients used. For instance, if the
glass is made with iron, it will feature a green tint.
- Weight
Crystal typically contains lead and other metals, and hence, it is
heavier in weight than regular glass. In comparison, glass is lighter than a
crystal of the same design.
- Thickness
It is possible to heat crystals at lower temperatures because of the
potassium and lead carbonate in the composition. It allows for the glassblower
to make the material thin. Also, the additional chemicals help the material
remain robust whilst being stretched. On the other hand, glass requires a high
working temperature, and it quickly hardens after being heated. This result in
a thick rim, and the material is not as strong as crystal.
- Cut
Crystal is soft enough to add smooth hand-cut details because its
materials strengthen it. These details can be added without compromising the
crystal’s durability. Also, the material is much more malleable, and artists
are free to add intricate patterns. However, glass hardens quicker than crystal
and provides little time to be cut by hand. Generally, the material is too hot
and cannot be managed without gloves. So, glass has to be blown into a mould or
bent into shape. If there are any cuts on the surface, they are typically
brittle and sharp.
