Crystal tableware: difference from glass and manufacturer ratings

Ancient material

Crystal is a modification of glass with a composition that contains at least 24% barium or lead oxide. That is why it creates shimmers of light on the surface. The material also turns out to be more plastic and lends itself better to carving.

The name comes from the word "krystallos" used by the Greeks. Translated it means 'ice'. The latter is quite understandable due to its actual resemblance to ice.

Rhinestone

Compatibility with other stones

According to some astrologers, rock crystal conflicts with its quartz “brother” topaz. The gem “gets along” well with other stones of the Air element, since it itself belongs to it. Air minerals include:

• sapphire;
• rose quartz;
• golden beryl;
• tourmaline;
• uvarovite;
• chrysoprase.

To avoid vibrations harmful to humans, it is not recommended to combine rock crystal and stones of the water element:

• aquamarine;
• Moonstone;
• pearl;
• opal;
• chrysolite;
• coral;
• emerald.

History of crystal

A variety called rock crystal has existed since ancient times. In fact, it was the natural mineral quartz. At first, lenses were made from it to light fires. But pure quartz without foreign impurities is very beautiful in appearance, and it was impossible not to notice. Therefore, later the mineral began to be used to make various items.

The production of quartz products in Russia began around the 13th century. The first manufactory was built in the city of Gus-Khrustalny.

One case from history suggests that craftsmen made a samovar from a large piece of quartz especially for Peter I.

But in its modern form, crystal appeared in the 17th century in England. It all started with the desire of the English government to make the country the mistress of the seas. All the wood was used to create a fleet. It was prohibited from being used in other industries. This also affected those who produced glass. Now the wood was “lost” for them, and they had to look for other exits.

At the beginning of the century, manufacturers noticed that the use of coal makes glass more transparent. And then the experiments began. Through trial and addition of various substances, crystal was obtained by George Ravenscroft in 1676.

But England was never able to spread it throughout the world. France did it instead. The Vonesh-Baccarat manufactory appeared in this country. Later, the French began to produce a special valuable crystal called baccarat. It was he who became famous throughout the world in the second half of the 19th century.

ORIGIN

Being a mineral of igneous origin, quartz precipitates from hot lava solutions. That is, the process is hydrothermal. Water enriched with mineral impurities seeps through cracks in the ground and cools. During cooling, precipitation and crystallization of quartz occur, and rock crystal appears. Single quartz crystals are rare. Typically, a bunch of different-sized hexagons with pyramidal tops rise from one base. Crystals are often directed in different directions. The composition is beautiful and harmonious. Therefore, it is often not separated in jewelry. If the ensemble consists of small crystals, it is soldered into a ring or entire pendant.

Found primarily in the voids of hydrothermal veins, most commercial deposits and large crystal finds are associated with “Alpine-type” crystal-bearing veins. It is also found in miarolite voids of pegmatite veins and contact-metamorphic deposits of various types. It is very common in sedimentary rocks, but does not form large crystals, but is found in the form of crystalline brushes on the walls of cracks and in the form of geodes, mainly among limestones and in calcareous strata.

The deposits are numerous and varied. In Russia, large deposits are known in the Subpolar Urals and in the East. Siberia (Aldan Shield, Verkhoyansk Range, etc.). Defect-free rock crystal single crystals for technical needs and the jewelry industry are grown in autoclaves.

Properties of crystal

Crystal is a type of glass that contains at least 24% oxides of certain substances, lead or barium is mainly used. If the percentage of these elements is less, the glass is considered already crystalline.

Distinctive properties:

• special density even with a thin surface;
• transparency;
• shine;
• rainbow effect during light refraction;
• melody.

You can easily check the authenticity of a crystal glass. To do this, you need to wet your finger and run along the edge of the object. The genuine product produces melodious sounds.

Crystal chandeliers

Types of crystal

Crystal is divided according to several criteria. First of all, according to the substances contained in its composition:

• mountain - a natural mineral, generally without impurities;
• barium - barium oxides are used in production;
• lead - lead oxides are used in production;
• Bohemian - produced using potassium and calcium glass.

There are also options for dividing crystal according to the percentage of impurities in it. It is the latter that affects the quality of the product.

According to GOST, according to the content of impurities, crystal is divided into the following types:

• 10% impurities - crystal glass;
• 18–24% lead oxide - low-lead crystal;
• 24–30% lead oxide - expensive lead crystal;
• more than 30% metal oxide - elite crystal.

There is another classification option - European:

• 1–15% lead oxide - crystalline;
• 16–24% lead oxide - crystal;
• 24-30% lead oxide - lead crystal.

The properties of the product depend on the percentage of lead oxides.

The difference between crystal and glass

Crystal differs from ordinary glass in materials and production technologies. These two factors ensure that objects differ in other properties.

1. Sound. When crystal products are struck, a melodious ringing and vibration is formed. By knocking on the glass, you can only hear a dull sound and there will be no “shaking”.
2. After some time, dark spots and cuts appear on the glass. This does not happen with crystal objects.
3. Crystal is more durable. It is harder to break than glass. The glass shatters into large pieces, and the crystal object into small pieces.
4. Due to the presence of lead in the composition, crystal is heavier than glass.
5. Crystal is softer and therefore easier to process.
6. Glass quickly heats up in your hands, and crystal cools your hands.

Expert opinion

Sidorenko Alexander

Antiques appraiser, numismatist

Glass also slightly increases the size of objects when you look through it. Crystal does not give this effect.

Differences from crystal glass

The main difference is in the composition. In the production of crystal glass, part of the oxide of one element is replaced by oxides of other substances. In the case of lead, these are the following: zinc, barium, calcium, magnesium. Some of the potassium oxide is replaced by sodium oxide.

Crystal glass is softer than regular glass, but harder than crystal.

Because of its composition, crystal glass is cheaper than crystal glass. This provided him with greater popularity.

Rhinestone and zodiac signs

Who is a crystal stone suitable for? Astrologers recommend wearing rock crystal products to everyone without exception. This is one of the few minerals whose energy is so soft that it is not capable of causing harm or causing a conflict between temperament and the magic of the stone.

According to the horoscope, Fire signs often have an explosive character. Sagittarians are sharp-tongued, they speak without thinking about the consequences and feelings of the interlocutor. Rock crystal is able to tame the irrepressible eloquence, seasoned with a fair amount of irony, of these signs. Aries often have a quarrelsome disposition and a hot temper; rock crystal will pacify them too. Leos, on the other hand, show vanity and can humiliate their interlocutor or a person they don’t like. Jewelry for Fire signs is best worn around the neck. These can be beads or pendants.

Rhinestone is also suitable for water signs. The mineral contains a liquid that gives life-giving power to the water and air signs of the zodiac. The pebble will perfectly balance the often doubtful Libra and help them make the only right decision. It will give Gemini confidence in stability, less doubt - more constancy and sincerity. And for Aquarius, the stone will help them open up and trust people.

Silver SOKOLOV earrings with rock crystal and cubic zirconia (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

The Earth sign is the most permanent. Rock crystal will be an excellent talisman and guardian; it will protect and heal earth signs.

The best amulet for someone whose sign is Pisces and Cancer. It's hard for the first to trust people and open up. They often seem cold and aloof, although a tsunami is raging in their souls at this time. And Cancer is a very gentle and vulnerable sign, it shows sentimentality and tenderness, but unhappy love can cause indelible emotional trauma. Rock crystal is able to protect its owner Cancer from unnecessary and dangerous relationships that will bring him disappointment and pain.

Assortment of crystal glassware

In the Middle Ages, crystal glassware was a sign of wealth and luxury. In the USSR it was in almost every home. Not a single holiday could do without crystal bowls, vases, and glasses.

The range of dishes is very diverse. All kinds of vases, salad bowls, sugar bowls, jugs, and containers for spices are made from crystal.

But the most popular variety is glassware intended for drinks: glasses, shot glasses, wine glasses. This is where diversity cannot be underestimated. Such dishes are still used in expensive restaurants, and there are even people who say that drinks taste better from crystal containers.

Colored crystal glassware is currently popular. Colors are obtained by using various additives. To get green, you add copper oxide to make it purple, manganese oxide, pink is achieved using silicon.

Crystal vase

Production of crystal glassware

There are the following four types of production:

• by blowing;
• using a press;
• press blowing;
• casting under the influence of centrifugal forces.

The most popular method is blowing. Making items using this method provides greater strength because a single piece is produced immediately. Blowing, in turn, is divided into several types:

• manual;
• free form;
• mechanized;
• vacuum

Crystal tableware made by hand blowing is the most valuable and expensive. As a result of free blowing, objects with a unique shape are always obtained.

Crystal definitely requires additional processing. The dishes are diamond cut and polished with acids.

There are four methods for processing crystal glassware:

• thread;
• cutting;
• grinding;
• engraving.

Recently, special ways of decorating dishes have been invented. The most popular is gold decoration. Craftsmen cover objects with precious metal on top or melt it inside. And some hand-paint the coating.

Other ways of decorating can change the shine of the dishes: make them more shiny or matte.

How to wear

The white color of rock crystal, as well as the presence of a pink or green tint in it, is suitable for all women.

Dark varieties (morion, rauchtopaz) are more suitable for men.

A raw stone without a frame on a chain or cord is a youthful style.

The magical effect of the crystal will be stronger if the woman wears the jewelry on the left side and the man wears it on the right.

Most of all, the magical power of rock crystal is manifested if the brooch, pendant, or necklace is located at chest level. The impact of a gold ring or ring is also strong (but they are recommended to be worn only on special occasions).

During the day or in the office, it is better to wear medium-sized stones (jewelry or silver), and in the evening - gold with large inserts.

The 24-hour availability of rock crystal is an advantage over “evening” diamonds: it sparkles dazzlingly in the sun and in any light.

two or three in an outfit . If you choose beads or a bracelet, then two items are enough, and if the jewelry is small (brooch, earrings, ring), three .

Examples of jewelry sets:

• bracelet plus brooch;
• pendant, earrings, ring;
• earrings, beads;
• bracelet, earrings.

Crystal care

Crystal dishes can last for decades. But this requires careful care. There are several recommendations to maintain beauty and quality.

1. Products should only be washed in cool water, but never in hot water.
2. Do not wash items in hot and cold water alternately.
3. If you need to fill your crystal pieces with something hot, you first need to place them on a stand, preferably a wooden one. Otherwise, cracks may form.
4. You cannot store items by nesting them one inside another.
5. When washing dishes, you need to avoid powdered detergents, such as baking soda. Such products may cause damage. If the dishes are difficult to wash, it is better to soak them first.
6. Do not use crystal glassware when heating food in the microwave or cooking in the oven.
7. You should wash crystal glassware only with your hands. In this case, you will have to forget about the dishwasher.
8. To avoid tarnishing, you need to wipe the products with vinegar diluted with blue or alcohol about once a month. It's better to do this more often.
9. Do not wipe crystal objects with hard cloths.
10. Tarnished crystal dishes can be soaked in boiled potato water or rubbed with half a potato. This will bring back the shine to the dishes.

Some people believe that crystal is a relic. But one can hardly think so, knowing its amazing properties. In expensive hotels, restaurants and other establishments, crystal is still a sign of wealth, prosperity and good taste.

Short description

Rock crystal can cool the skin of its owner. This property has been noticed for a long time. Rock crystals were used to cool the fingertips of seamstresses in ancient and medieval times. Such a device cost a lot of money in any currency.

Another interesting fact is that glasses were made from this mineral in ancient times. How much they improved vision remains a mystery. But the first glasses were discovered in China, and the age of the find is more than 2,500 years.

Crafts made from rock crystal have been used since ancient times. Skulls made from this mineral have been found more than once. Natural crystal was used in this matter for good reason. The skull has always symbolized death and misfortune, and the female one is the embodiment of true evil.

In excavations in Egypt, a crystal female skull was found, made without the help of any tools; the lower jaw of the product was movable. Polishing was carried out using a mixture of quartz chips and sand particles. Even people who do not believe in the magical nature of the artifact note that when they look at it, goosebumps run through their bodies. If a burning candle is placed in the skull, the respondents repeatedly reported that they began to fall into a black sleep, reminiscent of a hypnotic one.

Gold jewelry with rock crystal and cubic zirconia (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

This mineral also symbolizes sincerity of intentions and will protect against “star” disease. Vanity is a frequent companion of famous people. To avoid it, orators, winners of the Olympic Games and rulers of Ancient Greece and Rome drank only from crystal goblets.