Let's Talk Crystal: Questions for the Craftsmen
Ask and ye shall be told.
Lead Content
Posted Sunday, 27 September 2009 By Daniel Macdonald
What is the lead content(%) of your crystal?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Re: Lead Content
Posted Tuesday, 29 September 2009 By Sarah
The lead content of our crystal is 33%. It is also approximately 5% potassium carbonate, 60% silica and some trace elements.
Lead gives crystal the added sparkle, or increased refraction of light, for which it is admired; I think of it as a silvery sheen. It also makes it ring when you cheers, or sing when a wet finger circles the rim. It gives our crystal the solid heft that surprises people when they lift a crystal glass.
However, the most important reason lead is used in our batch is to make the crystal softer, or less brittle, which is why our craftsmen are able to hand cut each piece on a diamond wheel.
Lead gives crystal the added sparkle, or increased refraction of light, for which it is admired; I think of it as a silvery sheen. It also makes it ring when you cheers, or sing when a wet finger circles the rim. It gives our crystal the solid heft that surprises people when they lift a crystal glass.
However, the most important reason lead is used in our batch is to make the crystal softer, or less brittle, which is why our craftsmen are able to hand cut each piece on a diamond wheel.
