Sound of Crystal vs. Lead Crystal

Crystal objects add a dimension of elegance to any home.

People have admired the glory of crystal since the 6th century B.C. when it was first produced in Egypt. Lead crystal is the highest quality crystal available.

Composition

Crystal is made from glass and is composed of sand, soda ash and calcium oxide. What makes lead crystal different from crystal is that it substitutes 24 to 32 percent lead oxide for calcium oxide. The higher the lead content, the clearer the sound it produces.

Sound

Recognize crystal by the sound it makes when tapped by a finger. According to Kimberly Thompson from J. B. Hudson Jewelers in Minneapolis, lead crystal rings with a high, clear pitch that resonates and lingers. The higher the lead content, the more clear and brilliant its sound. Crystal has a low-pitched, muted sound resembling a thud. Its pitch is low, and the sound ends quickly. As the object's quality increases, the clarity of its sound increases as well.

Purchasing

Whether it's a piece of stemware, a vase or a bowl, judge the quality of crystal not only by its sound, but by its enduring design, price and manufacturer. Baccarat, Steuben and Saint Louis make some of the finest lead crystal available. Gorham and Dansk are excellent choices for regular crystal.

References

• JB Hudson Jewelers
• Etched Crystals: What Makes Glass?