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Crystal vs. rock crystal. Two similar names for two very different products. Here are a few clues to help you make sense of them.
Crystal doesn't have the same meaning here as it does in gemology. For it is not a form of crystal as quartz is, but a type of glass with a particular structure.
It is not found in its natural state, but is manufactured by hand or industrially from the fusion of silica (like ordinary glass), potash and a certain percentage of lead oxide (11, 24 or 32%, depending on the purity of the crystal). The presence of lead increases transparency, density and brilliance(rainbow effect).
In Europe, and in many countries, "crystal" is a protected designation subject to precise standards (69/493/EEC). Before it can be so named, it must meet a number of criteria, such as the concentration of metal oxides (including lead oxide), density and refractive index (light dispersion).
The "lead-free" indication on our product data sheets means that the composition of the crystals sold on our site complies with current regulations, in accordance with Directive 69/493/EEC.
Crystal is "softer" than traditional glass, which makes it easier for master glassmakers to work with (including more sophisticated cutting). It is used in the tableware and chandelier sectors by glassand crystalfactories, to make decorative crystal objects such as glasses, vases, chandeliers, candle-holders...
Crystal is also highly prized in theworld of jewelry. Jewelers use it to make cabochons, crystal beads, pendants...
Crystals can be tinted in a multitude of colors, so they can be combined with any metal, such as 925 Sterling Silver, Gold-Plated, Stainless Steel or Gold-Filled. Enough to create a wide range of crystal jewels!
Find all our PureCrystal and Preciosa crystal components to create pendant earrings perfect for an evening out, an original bracelet with Miyuki beads and crystal bicones or a DIY necklace with pendants and charms. Let your creativity do the talking!
Rock crystal is a colorless natural stone from the quartz family. It is classified as a gemstone (formerly known asa "semi-precious stone"). It is the most common and widespread mineral in the world.
Known since ancient times, its name derives from the Greek "Krystallos" meaning "ice", as the ancient Greeks believed it to be frozen ice at its peak.
Today, it is highly prized in jewelry. And no wonder: its unique transparency enhances any metal. We love it on natural stone jewelry with 925 Sterling Silver, Gold Filled, Gold Plated or Stainless Steel.
Rock crystal has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It can be cut to make cabochons, pendants, charms, fine stone beads and decorations.
Discover our wide range of rock crystal jewelry components to make rings, necklaces, bracelets... each more original than the last. Get inspired by our natural stone jewelry tutorials.
The two are not to be confused: crystal is a man-made creation, while rock crystal is a creation of nature, extracted from the ground by man.
CRYSTAL | ROCK CRYSTAL |
It's a type of glass containing silica, potash and a percentage of lead oxide. | It's a gemstone of the quartz family |
It is man-made | It exists in its natural state |
It can be tinted with many colors and has a multitude of reflections | In its raw state, it is colorless and limpid. |
It is used to make cabochons, crystal beads and pendants, as well as decorative crystal objects. | It is used in jewelry to make cabochons, pendants, charms, fine stone beads and decorative objects. |
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Perles & Co, Internet & E-Commerce company [03/05/2022] Any reproduction, representation, adaptation, in any form whatsoever, even partial, is prohibited, except for reproduction for private use not intended for collective use, representation in the family circle (art. L 122-5 CPI) and online publishing on condition that the source is mentioned and a link is included to the corresponding page of our site www.perlesandco.com.
