Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests > Glass
lead glass
kazmusic:
Can anyone tell me an easy way to tell lead crystal glass from regular glass?
David E:
Welcome to GMB.
Weight is one of the first indicators! 8)
Sometimes it has a very, very light grey tinge - barely detectable. I believe 24% is the minimum acceptable quantity to properly qualify it as "lead crystal", but many companies would add much more than this. Not sure what the top limit is, but 35%, perhaps?
David E:
An addendum. 24% is the minimum level, as suggested, and Ivo's book (Glass Fact File A-Z, Miller's) mentions 65% content for glass used as radiation shielding.
Memo to oneself - always consult Ivo's book first. ;D
Adam:
33% always used to be the UK "full lead crystal" norm, with the 24% used on the Continent rather disdainfully called "semi-crystal". All figures are expressed as the oxide, PbO.
I have seen 92% reported, with a density the same as cast iron. Specialised optical use, I believe, and I think has a brownish tint - not very attractive no doubt!
Adam D.
Patrick:
Hi, Another way to tell is by " pinging it " ........... Vases , bowls and drinking glasses have a sustained bell like ring.
Regards Patrick
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