How can you tell the difference between Glass and Crystal? and is Crystal Valuable?

Question

How can you tell the difference between Glass and Crystal? and is Crystal Valuable?

Answer 1

Glass is made from sand and has many different degrees of quality.

Leaded glass (usually found in stemware) is simply glass that has been combined with lead to make the glass stronger so that they can make it quite thin and it wont be too brittle.

Crystal is simply high quality glass.  It does not have to contain lead (although it can) and it does not have to be cut (although it can).  It is just a high quality glass.

Whether or not it is expensive ultimately depends on the craftsmanship of the piece.  The material may be the best but if the craftmanship is not there, it will not be valuable.

Answer 2

Crystal is heavier reflecting the high lead content. This makes the material more 'sparkly' due to the higher refractive index from the higher density.

Crystal is more expensive and more 'valuable' in that the products made from crystal tend to be of a higher quality. This does not necessarily apply to modern eastern European mass produced items which tend to be moulded not cut crystal so the facets have less definition and less sharp edges to give good refraction.

Answer 3

Glass is just ordinary. just like mirrors.

Crystal is more expensive and more attractive to look.