The XRF will detect the presence of lead, if any, and how many parts per million/ppm lead the crystal contains. You can also have your item tested by a lab that would run an XRF (x-ray fluorescence) analysis of wine glasses, glass bowls, or other crystal pieces an analysis costs approximately $50 per test. Leaded glass has a refractive index of 1.7 which is the point where light can be separated into its colors and therefore has a prismatic (rainbow) effect. Lead oxide added to molten glass is what gives leaded glass “crystal” the refractive qualities glass without added lead has a refractive index of 1.5. This can show that lead may be present, but not parts per million (ppm.) In addition, lead crystal weighs more than regular glass there’s no mistaking the two.ĭue to its acid nature, a tablespoon of white wine vinegar when let stand for twelve hours in a regular glass, wine goblet, or any other glass object can show the presence of lead (if present) when tested with a common 3M lead test kit. Ordinary glassware (soda-lime glass) does not “ring” like lead crystal glassware because, with the addition of lead, the glass absorbs more energy when tapped and causes it to resonate/vibrate creating what some call a “ping.”
The easiest way to tell if it’s lead crystal glassware or ordinary glass is to take a butter knife or other metal utensil and gently tap the glass if it makes a drawn-out ringing sound, it is more than likely crystal if it sounds more like a short dull “clink,” it’s glass.
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