How to Distinguish Glass from Crystal

They look the same, but are they really? While the price difference will probably give it away, there are other differences that put crystal on a higher standard than glass. They both look gorgeous but glass items are far different than crystal items – and it really is beyond what the eyes can see. Crystal items are made into more decorative items while glass tends to be more usable and practical. This is because of the composition and the difference between the two. While these materials can be interchanged, note the difference between the two and understand why crystal may at times be best. However, at times, glass will also prove to be its beautiful and less expensive counterpart.

For some countries, the difference lies in the chemical and lead composition of the item. A certain percentage will make the item fall into the glass category, while for some countries the item will be considered crystal.

It’s more than meets the eye as the sound produced by tapping the rim of an item can tell you whether it is glass or crystal. A ringing sound is produced by crystals while a more solid thud sound is produced by glass. Crystal reflects a color prism while light that passes through glass breaks and bends. Another visual distinction is that crystal tends to be thinner than glass. It is far more difficult to blow a thin glass than thin crystal. However, due to lead composition, crystal tends to be heavier despite its thickness, and glass items are generally heavier that their other shiny counterpart. Upon closer look at the rim and surface of the item, crystal casts a smoother and finer edge compared to glass which apart from being thick, tends to be less smooth and consistent.

Glass and crystal items will always impress people. Any item, whether a crystal wine glass, a glass paperholder, or crystal favors, is never out of place no matter what theme you have in your room or office. There are differences when it comes to composition and value, but nonetheless, they both look beautiful with the way they shine and how clean and sparkly they look. People will continue to love items made of glass or crystal. It will always be one of the favorite materials when choosing home or business items – whether decorative or practical. These items will withstand the elements and will last for many years.

Make Your Own Glass Coasters

Any arts and craft hobby are not just good creativity or stress outlets but rather, they can create very functional everyday or special items, can be great gift items, or for some, these are income generating activities as well. Glass coasters can either be used by your family, be given as gifts or favors such as elegant wedding coasters, or can be sold to create extra income. Creating coasters can be fun and there are many ways on how you can make them.

Used tin cans can be used as coasters. You can cut the top cover and then just create a softer edge by placing, cord, cloth or lace on the edges to avoid cuts by the thin aluminum. You can also cover the entire tin coaster if you think that the tin will not be able to hold up water repeatedly. The cover can disguise any trace of rust that it might develop.

Another funkier alternative would be floppy discs or CDs. You can cut them up as well into smaller sizes since they are also already round anyway, and you should cover the edges. For a more personalized coaster, you can use a CD sticker label to cover up the CD and then cut them out just on the right size to show the print. The print can either be the photo, the name or any image representative of the person who will use it or who will receive it.

Used cork or vinyl that you can find laying on the stock area can be used as well. Cut them up into small round shapes and you can either cover them up using lace or ribbon, or you can use acrylic pain to hand paint them.

Creating your own coasters need not cost you much and it is no rocket science either. It is actually one of the easiest arts and craft activities you can do. In fact, the items and materials mentioned here are readily available in most homes and you just need a few minutes to measure them, cut them out, and design them.

All you need is just a little creativity, ingenuity, and maybe a few minutes finding recyclable materials in your home to create art that’s beautiful and functional. Coasters can protect your table top and at the same time it can beautify it as well. Make sure your colors complement your table and other cutleries and test the coasters against accidental slips and water spills.