Crystal Glass- More Than Just Pettiness

Hey what's up guys? Its been almost 2 weeks since we made an interesting post. But this time we are back with an amazing post that will blow your mind away. Another interesting topic is that we are with our first guest post today. Congo Science Plus and thanks for your interest. I will introducing to the author later in the end of the post. Today's topic is about "Crystal Glass".

What is Crystal Glass ?

Crystal glass was originally known as lead glass. Lead glass is a variety of glass in which lead replaces the calcium content of a typical potash glass. By introducing lead(II) oxide commonly known as lead monoxide into glass during the manufacture we get today's Crystal Glass. Lead glass contains 18–40 mass% lead(II) oxide (PbO), while modern lead crystal, historically also known as flint glass due to the original silica source, contains a minimum of 24% PbO and crystal glass by the name suggests is not a crystal.

History Of Crystal Glass

Crystal Glass gets its name from the word "cristallo" which was the word Venetian glass makers used to make imitate rock crystals. Rock Crystal is also a type of glass like the crystal glass. Rock crystal is the name of the art that is used for certain colour quartz.
This Crystal glass technology was founded by Swarovski in 1895 who is one of the most famous crystal producers in the world. His technology also helped in the fields for industrial grinding wheels, optics industry, lighting etc.

                                     

Uses of Lead Oxide Used To Make Crystal Glass

Crystal Glass has its applications in many fields namely:-

1. The lead oxide used to make crystal makes it easier to work in lower temperatures and also increases the refractive index of the glass. Refraction as all of you know is the process where light bends as it passes through the substance. This along with the increased dispersion lead oxide gives the cut crystal the eye appealing quality it is famed for. 

2. The quality of the lead glass has resulted in it being used in optics. Many lenses used in cameras and in telescopes have been partially made from lead glass. Nowadays lanthanum and caesium are more commonly used  as lead glass lenses needed more elements to compensate for the increased dispersion the lead glass caused. 

3. Lead Oxide in glass has benefits and a purpose beyond aesthetics. If you've ever needed an X-Ray (or worked in a nuclear plant) you will have crystal and lead glass to protect people from the radioactive properties of the items and machinery they are working with. 

4.  Glass is also used in the nuclear process of storage of nuclear waste. The waste is calcinated, heated and mixed with glass shards and then it is vitrified with glass. This creates an object where the nuclear waste is bonded with glass and is far more water resistant. This helps to minimise  the nuclear waste leaking into water it comes in contact with. 

5. Lead has many more uses other than glass. Traditional stained glass as seen in buildings and churches would have been secured by lead "cames". These U and H shaped holders allows different panes of glass to slot together and be kept in a place without moving. 

6. Lead (II) oxide is also used in a similar way in the ceramic industry in high tech areas as cooling for computer components and as a part of computer chips. 

Conclusion

In the gemstones business "Crystal" is a part of the "4 C's of Connoisseurship" the other three being colour, cut and clarity. Crystal is the hardest of the 4 C's to appreciate and understand but is often described as the light or glow that the structure of the gem emits. When Crystal is used to evaluate the most precious diamonds it's easy to understand why lead and cut cystal glass has endured for so long and has valued so many of us. 

About the Author 

        This post was shared by Crystal Eire

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Liam Caulfield is an extremely talented Dubliner, working and living in Swords, North County Dublin. Caulfield Glass was established in 2000 and his company has expanded rapidly over the last ten years. His team are all highly skilled and trained in their specialised field, providing excellent customer service, while developing their own unique and stylish brand, Crystal Eire. Caulfield Glass continues to win many awards worldwide for our artwork and glassware.

Hope you liked the post. Hoping to rock this one and coming ones. Any Queries you can contact us through email or in the comment section.  We would also like express our gratitide to our guest poster and thank him for showing interest in sharing this piece of information with us.