What is the Difference Between Crystal and Glass?

Crystal glass and a crystal are two different things. A crystal is a solid with ordered atoms while crystal glass is still an amorphous type of glass. Although crystal is often times used as synonymous for crystal glass in common parlance, I think it is important that a distinction is made.

Crystal has a pretty chime when lightly tapped and a rainbow effect when held up to the light. l lived in stores as a child and I would go around tapping and checking for the rainbow. It should be at least 24 percent lead as established in 1965. I believe as originally stated by the EU, Royal Dalton is still a maker of crystal. People say that it takes a trained eye to know the difference without a technical degree. I never knew that. I thought it was like gold; it has different markers. I hope this helps.

How can I tell if something is glass or crystal, without any maker marks, receipts, tags, or anything else that might have this information? Is it possible to determine which it is without looking through a microscope or taking it to an expert?

I have a theory. I was cleaning a decanter and wine glasses the other day and when my wet finger rubbed around the edge of one of the glasses, it made such a beautiful sound. This made me think it was crystal. However, I don't know if glass will do the same thing when rubbed with a wet finger, I haven't got any long stem regular glasses to compare them to.

Can anyone tell me if this "sound test" is just a myth, or if this is a good sign that it's actual crystal?

I have looked through guides about this and some attributes make me think it's crystal and some make me think otherwise. Example; The glasses do make a "ping" sound instead of a "thud" when the edge is tapped. I can hold them up to light and don't see a green, yellow, or gray hue to them, but at the same time I do not see any prism effect or brilliant colors shining through either. The edges don't feel sharp as the guides say glass would feel, nor does the etching. They are thinner than most regular glasses I've seen but they don't seem to weigh more than expected as would lead crystal.

I'm just not sure about how to tell! Does anyone have any input on this? Help!

Defining the difference between crystal and glass is an exact process. Crystal has the atoms/molecules arranged in a precise geometric arrangement, while in glass the molecules are random.

It was discovered by adding lead compounds to glass the refractive index would increase and so it would 'sparkle' like crystal (not quite as much as diamond, the crystal with the highest refractive index, and the best 'sparkle') Decanters: Look very closely into the decanter. If you see faint facets it's crystal. If clear or with small bubbles it's glass. 90 percent will be glass.

buy a lead testing kit. they are cheap and you can buy them at hardware stores.

Your best bet is to take them to someone who can examine them closely and determine if there is any lead crystal contained within the glass mixture. A local jewelry store that also carries crystal items should be able to point you to a local expert that can help you.

How can I tell if the cut glass decanters I purchased second hand are lead crystal. I want to know in relation to the safety of using them to store liquors and other spirits such as flavored rums.

I know that you are not to store acidic beverages such as wine.. .