What’s The Difference Between Glass And Crystal?

Glass and crystal look similar to the untrained eye, but they’re not manufactured the same way and there are other important differences that may make one preferable to the other for your custom award or deal toys. These differences range from their chemical composition to their shipping weights.

But what exactly are the significant differences between glass and crystal? Are there benefits of choosing one over the other? We’ve outlined some of the key considerations below.

Understanding the Terminology

The terminology surrounding glass vs. crystal comparisons can be confusing. Some of the terms you may already be familiar with include:

• Glass
• Crystal
• Crystal glass
• Soda-lime glass
• Flint glass
• Crystalline
• Lead glass
• Lead-free glass
• Lead crystal

All these are different labels for variants that look essentially the same. So, what are the differences and how can you tell them apart?

When we’re talking about glass, there are generally three main types: soda-lime glass, Borosilicate glass (Pyrex), and fused quartz. Examples of these include drinking glasses, kitchen bowls, and camera lenses, respectively.

Soda-lime glass (which you may know as soda-lime-silica glass) is the most popular of the three main glass types, accounting for over 90 percent of manufactured glass. Based on the weight of glass, around 70-74 percent is silicon dioxide (a.k.a. silica). But the composition of glass varies depending on its function. Generally, the optimum composition includes 10 percent calcium oxide, 15 percent sodium carbonate, and 75 percent silicon dioxide.

Crystal, crystal glass, and lead glass are different names for the same material, much like lead crystal and flint glass. Lead glass (crystal) contains around 10 to 40 percent lead oxide, while lead crystal (flint glass) contains at least 24 percent lead oxide. Crystalline is lead-free glass. Minerals such as barium oxide and magnesium make up about 24 percent of this material, rather than lead.

Even differences within glass and crystal categories can be complex. Fortunately, there are more practical ways to distinguish the two from each other.

Differences Between Glass and Crystal

Some features can make distinguishing between glass and crystal easier. Glass, or instance, tends to be:

• Thicker
• More durable
• Non-porous
• Dishwasher friendly
• Acoustically different (providing a dull, thud-like sound when flicked)
• Clear in color

Glass is less fragile but also nearly impossible to mold and sculpt after it’s been set. You can buy glass tombstones or awards, but it’s not always the most practical choice of material.

By contrast, crystal tends to have these characteristics:

• Can be thinner
• Porous
• Should be hand-washed
• Makes a “clink” sound when flicked
• Reflects light
• Less clear in color

Similarities Between Glass and Crystal

While crystal and glass have some obvious differences, they do share some important benefits. These similarities set them apart from other materials. Some of these include:

• Scratch-resistant
• Offer weight and heft (critical to perceived value among recipients)
• More expensive than other materials

Price will always be a consideration for any award or deal toy order. However, price should always be weighed in conjunction with perceived value. As noted above, the weight and heft of both glass and crystal give them the kind of feel that recipients tend to value.

Which is Better?

For both custom awards and deal toys, crystal is by far the preferred material. However, the benefits of glass and crystal vary depending on their function. When we’re talking about awards and deal toys, the material can make a massive difference.

Common materials for these awards and deal toys include:

• Crystal
• Pewter
• Resin
• Stone
• Wood
• Lucite

You’ll notice that glass isn’t included on this list. Although glass can look great, it doesn’t allow for a great deal of customization in design. Glass is a more workable material when it’s first being shaped, but after that, it becomes solid and practically impossible to alter. While blown glass makes beautiful art pieces, it doesn’t meet the needs of a custom award.

Crystal, on the other hand, can be carved and shaped into more complex designs and also lends itself to laser-etched three-dimensional designs. Any award, tombstone, or deal toy should be unique and personal, which is why crystal is the more common choice of material.

The versatility of crystal is difficult to fully appreciate—especially if, like many people, you’re accustomed to seeing only premade, stock, off-the-shelf crystal designs.

By contrast the deal toy and award designs in the gallery below provide a sense of the extraordinary range of custom shapes, effects, and colors that can be achieved in crystal.

Pricing Considerations

Pricing tends to be another point of differentiation between glass and crystal. Crystal can be the more expensive option. The higher perceived value of crystal—and crystal designs—also tend to make the extra cost worthwhile.

Ultimately, factors such as design capabilities and perceived value are difficult to discuss in generalities. The decision to use glass vs. crystal (or neither material) will depend on the nature of your specific project. An experienced and capable vendor can help you select a material that best suits your design preferences, budget, and time constraints.

Need a Custom Award or Deal Toy?

When it comes to awards and deal toys, glass or crystal could be a practical and aesthetic choice for your project. Although crystal can be the more expensive option, it also offers far more intricate and customized design possibilities.

At The Corporate Presence, we’ve been helping clients navigate these kinds of decisions for over 40 years. Take advantage of our experience and expertise and reach out to us today.