


These substances can be dyed and shaped to resemble authentic gemstones and are often used in decorations or jewelry making due to their less expensive cost than genuine stones. Other materials commonly used to create fake crystals include plastic, quartz, and resin.
DIFFERENC EBTWEEN CRYSTALS GEMS AND STONES HOW TO
How to tell crystal from glass jewelry?.This is because many people are unaware of the difference between glass and crystal. Yes, there are a lot of glass products sold as crystals. Examples of crystals where this can be seen include Quartz, Aquamarine, Selenite, Citrine, and Amethyst. Tapping a crystal will create a higher-pitched sound than tapping a glass, which should give you an idea of how one differs from the other. Some of the most common crystals where this difference/similarity can be seen are Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Tourmaline, and Citrine, all of which have a distinct coolness when touched. Cold to TouchĬrystals tend to be naturally cool to touch, while glass can feel warm due to its ability to retain heat from its environment. Crystals usually have sharp, pointed inclusions, such as in Tourmaline, Quartz, and Topaz, while glass inclusions tend to be more rounded or curved. The difference between crystals and glass can often be seen in the shape of the inclusions they contain. Examples of crystals where you can see this similarity with glass include Calcite and Fluorite. The similarity in texture between crystals and glass is that both are hard and brittle. Many gems, like Emerald and Sapphire, are transparent when cut into polished pieces, adding extra clarity and shine that can’t be found in other stones or glasses, manufactured or natural. ClarityĬrystal is generally more transparent than glass due to its higher refractive index, which causes light to bend more inside than in regular glass. Examples of highly durable crystals include Aquamarine and Garnet. Glass usually falls at around 5 to 5.5 on the hardness scale, while crystal typically measures up at 7 to 7.5 or higher. HardnessĬrystal has a much higher Mohs scale rating than glass because its composition is much harder due to lead oxide. Some examples of heavy crystal pieces are Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, and Hematite. WeightĬrystal is heavier than glass because it contains lead oxide, which adds extra weight. Examples of colored crystals include Amethyst, Citrine, Labradorite, and Turquoise. The presence of lead in a crystal will cause a higher refractive index, resulting in greater sparkle and rainbow-like hues. ColorĬrystal tends to have a higher level of clarity than glass and may appear more vibrant or colorful.

I will tell you more of these ways to spot what a real crystal looks like in easy ways. Glass makes a clunking noise, while crystal produces a reverberating sound. The easiest way to differentiate between a crystal and glass is through sound. 8 Ways to Tell the Difference Between Crystal and Glass Glass, on the other hand, is favored for its durability and versatility in everyday objects, like drinking glasses, windows, and light fixtures. Crystal is typically harder, heavier, and more expensive than glass and is often used for jewelry and decorative items due to its clarity and beauty. They heated sand and added lime, ash, and soda until it formed a brittle substance that could be shaped into vessels for holding liquids or as panes for windows.Ĭrystal is a naturally occurring mineral composed of atoms arranged in a repeating crystalline pattern, whereas glass is an artificial material made from melted silica and other ingredients. While glass has a more modern origin, it is believed to have been invented by the Phoenicians around 4500 BC. The origin of crystal dates back to ancient times in the form of gemstones used in jewelry and decorations by many cultures. Read the history of crystals article to know more. It has a higher refractive index than regular glass, meaning that light passing through it bends more and gives off a brighter sparkle.Ĭrystals and glass have been popular materials humans have used for thousands of years. Crystals are a special type of glass made of silica and other minerals, like lead or barium. Did you know crystals are a subcategory of glass? That means all crystals are glass, but not all glass is crystals.
