How to Distinguish Crystal From Glass
- 1). Look through the object. Crystal is clear, almost white. Glass has a gray, green or yellow tint.
- 2). Examine the thickness of the piece. Artisans can typically blow crystal much thinner than glass.
- 3). Tap the object with your fingernail. Crystal produces a noticeable and musical "ping." Glass produces a dull "thud" with little or no ring.
- 4). Compare the object's weight to a similar-sized object. Crystal of the same volume will be heavier than glass because it contains lead, which is considerably more massive than glass.
- 5). Look for seams or marks made by a mold. Glass will not cut or mold as accurately as crystal, and the difference can often be felt by running your fingers over the object. Crystal will be smooth, straight and crisp. Glass will have sharper edges, and more imperfections on smooth surfaces.
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