The Difference Between Crystal and Glass
Crystal and glass look very similar, but they are two completely different substances. Their main differences are as follows:
Different Materials
Crystal is a crystalline form of silicon dioxide, while glass is simply a molten mixture containing silicon dioxide.
Different Effects
Glass has only decorative uses, while crystal, in addition to its decorative function, also exhibits piezoelectricity and has special health benefits.
Different Prices
Crystal is several times, even tens of times, more expensive than glass.
Different Physical Properties
1. Crystal is a crystalline material with high hardness (Mohs 7), while glass has lower hardness (Mohs 5.5). Crystal can scratch glass, but not vice versa.
2. Crystal is a crystalline material with good thermal conductivity, feeling cool to the touch with the tongue. Glass feels warm.
3. Using a polarizing microscope, crystal is translucent, while glass is not.
We can easily distinguish between crystal and glass based on their different physical properties.
Different Processing Techniques
Glass can be hot-cast, saving materials and labor, resulting in lower costs. Crystal, being a crystalline substance, cannot be reversed once melted by heating, so it cannot be hot-cast and must be processed using cold methods such as cutting and grinding. This is more wasteful of materials and labor, leading to higher costs. Crystal has high hardness and is not easily scratched. Glass has low hardness and is easily scratched. Crystal has good stability and will not discolor over long-term use, while glass is prone to yellowing.
