What Is the Difference Between Lead Crystal & Cut Glass Bowls?

The words "Lead Crystal" is a bit of a misnomer. Lead oxide is added to molten sand, which is glass. Glass does not have a crystalline molecular structure, the U.S. Department of Energy explains. The word "crystal" was introduced because of the end effect. Adding lead to glass makes the glass sparkle more, or become more brilliant when light hits it. For items that do not come in contact with food, lead is not a concern. For food items, it is a concern because lead is a hazard if ingested or absorbed by the human body.

Chemical Composition

• The first difference is in the chemical composition between lead crystal and common glass, which bowls are made out of. According to the Illustrated Glass Dictionary, lead crystal is composed of about 54 to 65 percent silicon dioxide, 18 to 38 percent lead oxide, soda (a form of lime) and potash. The end product is called lead crystal. Bowls, on the other hand, are made of simple glass, which is beach sand, a little soda and lime. The soda and lime is added in to remove the impurities from the sand.

Index of Refraction

• When you place a straw in a glass of water, notice the straw looks bent. This is because the water bends light waves. This bending is called refraction. How much a substance bends light is called the index of refraction. According to The Chandelier Company, lead crystal has an index of refraction of 1.7. Common glass has an index of 1.5. These numbers are derived by using scientific equations. The effect of a higher index of refraction is lead crystal reflects and bends light more than common glass, making it "sparkle" a lot more than common glass.

Machining and Cutting

• The Chandelier Company states lead crystal is softer than common glass. When cutting the facets, it machines easier than glass, due to its softness. Facets are the flat spots on a pendant or cut glass bowl. Both lead crystal and cut glass bowls are faceted by the same machinery, which usually uses diamond bits to do the actual cutting.

Health Concerns

• Lead is a well documented health hazard. In non-food items, such as chandelier pendants, the lead is melted into the glass so it won't leach out into the atmosphere. With food items, such as bowls or wine glasses, it should not be used. According to the Canadian Department of Health (Health Canada) the possibility exists of lead being slightly dissolved and leaching into the food. If you are not sure if the cut glass bowl is made out of lead crystal, err on the side of caution and do not use it for food items. Use it for decorative purposes only.