Crystal and glass present two of the most brilliantly dazzling options for serving your mouth-watering beverages. It’s no fluke that they’re commonly associated with fine dining, high society, and special occasions; no matter what you present on glass or crystal, these regal materials will still scream opulence and refinement.
But what is the difference between these two divine drinkware choices? And in the food fight of crystal vs glass, is there a clear winner? If you’re learning how to set a table, knowing the similarities and differences between the two is essential.
This article will clarify how to differentiate between the two materials and highlight why either is an excellent choice for your next dinner or drinkware set.
Crystal and Glass: See Through What Separates Them
When comparing crystal and ordinary glass, it’s somewhat erroneous to categorize them as completely distinct. That’s because crystal is itself an enhanced form of regular glass. That’s somewhat unsurprising, as crystal and glass can have near-identical appearances and textures.
Despite their similarities, their unique qualities become clear when we look at the two closely.
How They’re Made: Multiplicities of Molecules
While, on the surface, it can be hard to differentiate between the two, the distinct differences between glass and crystal are evident when we view things on a molecular level:
- Glass – Glass is a type of ceramic defined by its unique atomic structure. Unlike genuine crystals and other materials with more orderly ionic bonds, glass atoms form oddly shaped, asymmetrical connections. Regular glass is glass because it retains this amorphous molecular makeup once the material hardens.
- Crystal – Though the term is fairly common, calling glasses crystal is technically a misnomer on multiple levels. For one, this type of “crystal glass “ isn’t the same as the crystals we associate with jewelry. Secondly, crystal glassware doese not exhibit the same clean, crystalline molecular structure that gives those prized jewels their name. Instead, crystal is a kind of enhanced glass that has been fortified with metal alloys to increase its shine. Originally, lead was the go-to additive for crystal. Once society wised up to lead crystal’s hazardous health effects, however, manufacturers stopped using lead in crystal and began using barium and zinc instead.
How Long They Last: Different Durabilities
Whether it’s normal silicate glass or crystal glassware bolstered by metal alloys, both materials require careful handling to enjoy a long lifespan. Glassware and lead glass is a material we inherently treat with care, however—so this isn’t as difficult as it might sound.
That said, under everyday conditions, there is a notable difference in the hardnesses of crystal vs glass:
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Glass – The Mohs scale is used to measure the hardness of materials for comparison and manufacturing purposes. While different production methods can result in varying levels of durability, in general, ordinary glass has a rating of 6.5 out of a possible 10 when it rolls off the factory floor.
- Crystal – The hardness of specific crystal glass varies based on the metal additive and manufacturing process. Regardless, while it makes a noted improvement in a cup’s sheen, the addition of elements such as lead, zinc and barium has actually been found to reduce the overall hardness of glass compounds.
You might wonder why manufacturers would add something that weakens glass. But for some, the high-shine aesthetic of fine crystal is worth the need to handle it with a little more care.
How They Look: Diverging Designs
While crystal glass may not be as resistant to shattering as its standard glass counterpart, the addition of metal alloys makes it all the more beautiful to gaze upon. Manufacturers began augmenting standard glass formulas to increase glass’s:
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Shine – Crystal earned its name because its pioneers were attempting to capture the signature sheen of the natural jewel in wine glasses and drinking vessels. The resulting shine proved close enough to its namesake, and the moniker has stuck around to this day.
- Ease of etching – The reduced hardness of crystal glass means it can be more intricately adorned with embellishments and etchings. Early fine crystal glaziers created signature regal styles to separate their novel product from standard glass. This refined veneer still defines opulent crystal glassware to this day.
Crystal and Glass at a Glance
Beyond the more technical aspects, it’s easy enough to visualize the differences between crystal and glass.
Close your eyes and picture yourself filling a glass of water at home at home. You’re likely imagining using something basic, like a plain vessel. If it looks like a glass, feels like a glass and everyone you know would call it a glass, then it’s likely glass (the material).
Now, imagine you’re at an elegant gala and the waiter hands you a flute of champagne. The goblet may feel like ordinary glass, but it’s decorated with a series of aesthetically pleasing, patterned etchings. The light hits it in a delightfully iridescent manner, casting a rainbow when refracted at just the right angle. You (lightly) tap it with your fork and hear a signature reverberating ting instead of a hollow thud.
There’s no mistaking it—that flute is undoubtedly composed of crystal. And, if it’s the most beautiful and brilliant vessel you’ve seen, there’s no mistaking where it came from.
Shine Brightly with Sensational Glassware from Lenox
Whether you favor the durable reliability of regular glass or the unmatched opulence of cut crystal, Lenox has the drinkware to suit your tastes.
If you’re looking to outfit your home bar with new glassware that’s as elegant and refined as the cocktails you plan to serve in them, we have an array of classy styles to suit your motif.
Or, if you’ve just invested in a new luxury dinnerware set, don’t forget to complement it with a grand set of glasses worth raising in revelry.
With a wide, stylish selection and unbeatable quality, it’s clearer than crystal: Lenox is the premier place to secure your table and entertaining essentials.
