Mineraloid/Synthetic Material
Man-made Crystal (Lead Glass)
Lead oxide-doped Silica Glass (approx. SiO2 + PbO)
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Adamantine to Vitreous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 3.1-5.9 (higher than natural quartz due to lead content).
- Hardness
- 5-5
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Adamantine to Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Adamantine to Vitreous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 3.1-5.9 (higher than natural quartz due to lead content).
Formation & geological history
Produced through a high-temperature melting process of silica sand, potash, and lead oxide. This is a manufactured decorative object, not a naturally occurring geological specimen.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for decorative home goods, figurines, chandeliers, and high-end glassware. It is valued for its high refractive index which causes 'fire' or rainbow-colored light dispersion.
Geological facts
Lead glass was first patented by George Ravenscroft in 1674. While commonly called 'crystal,' it is scientifically a glass because it lacks the repeating internal atomic structure of a true mineral crystal.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its high clarity, lack of natural inclusions, presence of air bubbles, and symmetrical geometric facets created by mechanical cutting/molding. It will feel heavier than common glass of the same size.
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