What Is Lead Crystal

People know that crystal is precious and clear. But few people know lead crystal well or even don’t know what lead crystal is. Lead crystal is made from glass. It is cut to make facets that reflect light and look like diamonds. This gives the glass a higher index of reflection and various attractive colors. Next, let’s know the lead crystal from several aspects.

History
In the 17th century, a British businessman George Ravenscroft found that the glass would become more mineral and clearer after being added lead oxide, so the quality finally made a breakthrough. And then the lead crystal gets the promotion.

Classification
According to the EU laws, Swarovski Strauss crystal and Egypt ASFOUR Crystal are all belong to the crystal glass, but as the content of lead oxide is higher than 24%, the word “glass” can be removed. If the content of lead oxide is over 30%, the glass can be called full lead crystal, and all glass can be called crystal if its lead oxide’ content is over 24%.

Manufacture
Lead crystal is made by mixing glass and lead oxide with other additives and the mixture is heated to a temperature of 3,600 degrees Fahrenheit in a special oven.

Characters
The advantage of adding lead oxide is that the piece becomes heavier, textured, clearer and brighter; otherwise, the disadvantage is that the piece is soft and easy to be scratched.

Now, you know what lead crystal is and some information about it. But one thing you should take care. The lead in the lead crystal is easy to be separated out by the acid drink, and it can be harmful to health in the long run and may cause lead poisoning. So be careful when you use lead crystal.