At first glance, glass and crystal seem identical — both are transparent, shiny, and used to make cups, vases, and chandeliers. But the difference lies in what they’re made of and how they sound, shine, and feel.
Ordinary glass is made from sand, soda, and limestone, melted together at high temperatures. It’s durable and affordable — perfect for everyday use. Crystal, however, contains added minerals such as lead oxide or barium, which make it denser and give it that distinctive sparkle. When you tap a crystal glass gently, it rings with a musical tone, while normal glass makes a dull thud.
Crystal can also be cut and engraved more easily because it’s softer than regular glass. That’s why expensive glassware and trophies are often made of crystal.
So the next time you hold a shining glass, give it a light tap — if it sings, it’s crystal. If it stays quiet, it’s just glass doing its job.