Glass or Crystal Ball

[skysteed]

Greetings,
I am so excited.
Today I won at a private auction a cryastal/glass ball. This puppy is at least 110 cm not mm. That's about 4+" wide. The problem is does anybody know how to tell the difference between glass or crystal. I really don't care which it is , just be nice to know.
I beat out an auction dealer, boy was he pissed.
I'm ovejoyed because I was ready to go up another 25.00.
If anybody wants to know I paid 76.00 CAN. I was so excieted when I won that I was shaking all the way through the grocery shopping trip, for a good 25 minutes.
It came with the stand (brass ).
I am so happy.
:boing: :boing: :boing: :boing: :boing: :boing:
Oh by the way, the bottom is flat so it doesn't need the stand.
Here's a picture.
Thanks before hand for any help that can be offered.

[Flar's Freyja]

Ewww......I wish I knew! I'm not even sure about my own. I got it at a small store that was going out of business and I got an extra discount because I noticed a flat spot in addition to the one that's supposed to be flat. It weighs a ton. I have heard that genuine crystal will refract light better than glass will.

I hope that someone else has info regarding this because I'd like to know about mine also.

[skysteed]

I checked around a few sites that sell "crystal balls".
I weighed mine, and it came in just over 4 pounds.
I'm now thinking it might be lead crystal, the kind that is used for goblets and bowls and platters. Heavy, refreacts light and is blown like glass.
Real crystal is a naturally formed, some sellers are claiming that they sell balls made of crushed crystal, others say that is b-----t. Now I have 2 crystal balls (the baby is only 2 1/4" wide).
And now am more confused than before.
Anybody out there a glass blower, or know a glass blowere who might shed some light on the subject. :confused:
Here's the baby beside my new larger version.

[Mithrea]

I have looked around on the web and haven't found any helpful info. I will ask my Mom tomorrow (she knows about this stuff). All I can say that if it's a bowl or goblet, lead crystal will make a really musical ring if you flick it or tap it with a spoon. I don't know if that will work on something spherical though.

[Flar's Freyja]

I haven't been all the way through this. It's quite technical but looks like it might be helpful if you take time to read it:

http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/physical.htm

[jelly.belly]

I have no idea... sorry, wish i could help you... but i can tell u this, it's beautiful!!! Really, it is!

[Flar's Freyja]

Bump - did anyone find any answers?

[skysteed]

Found this info, still hunting. ;)

What is the difference between glass and lead crystal?

Glass is an organic substance consisting of a mixture of silicates, barates or phosphates that cools to a rigid condition without crystallization. (It can be made of quartz-sand, lime, soda, potash and lead oxide.) Crystal falls into the 3 main categories. Fine Crystal or Crystalline is made from a glass mixture that contains 6% - 10% lead oxide. Lead Crystal is made from a glass mixture that contains 10% - 24% lead oxide and Full Lead Crystal is made from a glass mixture that contains 24% lead oxide or more. For the most part, crystal by European standards regards 24% lead bearing glass as crystal. However, by American standards, any glass that is perfectly clear is considered crystal regardless of the lead content. Lead oxide in crystal gives the product clarity and sparkle. Any crystal that is hand-cut usually must be 24% lead oxide or over - otherwise the crystal would be too brittle and would break when cut or engraved.

[Flar's Freyja]

So ~ maybe what we're looking at is whether it's man-made or came from the earth.....and there's no real way to tell? Thanks for going through the trouble to post that, skysteed:)

[Silver Venus]

OO they are both so beautiful :sunny:

The only thing Ive heard, how you can tell the difference, is that Glass balls have no specks or faults in them and Crystal ones have a few or quite a lot..
If the ball is totally clear its a good chance its glass unless its really really good crystal..
:rolleyes: not much help Im afraid..

[Flar's Freyja]

Oooh, mine has LOTS of flaws, not perfectly clear at all....

But I do have a small green one that has a spiral coming up from the middle, and I do think that it's man-made. I was fortunate to receive it. It belonged to a very spiritual woman who has crossed over into the Summerland.

[skysteed]

SOOOOOO,
I guess those of us who have crystal balls that are full of flaws that look like crystal points have a natural crystal ball.
Those that are clear like glass ARE either glass or lead "crystal".
I also read somewhere, the less air bubbles the higher the lead content. So most of us has lead "crystal " balls.
Now we know, unless someone had other information.

[Silver Venus]

:thumbsup:

[Emy]

I've got a crystal ball, not to big, but it is made of real crystal rock. It you have one of crystal rock it will most likely have some flaws in it, it wont be 100 % clear, since that is very very unusual. The once you buy that is made of crystal rock is also often very expensive, especially if they are big. The real crystal rock balls are cut out of a crystal rock, and since it takes a rather large crystal rock just to make a small crystal ball, they tend to be rather expensive. The process of cutting the ball is also a loooong process, it is rather difficult and takes a long time before it is completely done.

The glassballs are beutiful too, and I think either ball would work very well for divination :)

blessings

[Flar's Freyja]

I'm still not sure about mine. I don't know if they are flaws in glass or if it's flawed because it's made out of real crystal rock. Guess I'll never know. I got mine at a great sale so I can't really consider the expense as a factor. I was wondering if weight had anything to do with it because it really is very heavy.

That's really helpful info, Emy, thanks!:)

[skysteed]

If you sent us a picture someone might be able to tell you if it has the possibilility of being a quartz crystal ball.
;)

[Flar's Freyja]

8O Don't know how to use scanner.....

[skysteed]

I don't think a crystal ball will scan very well.
BUT
If you have a picture check out the GEEK thread, someone there could probably talk you through the process. :)

[Flar's Freyja]

:lol: Well, I wasn't going to try to scan the ball.....I would take a picture......;)

Thanks, might do that!

[Grey]

You gals should take your Balls to a local stained glass or jewelars shop. They should be able to tell you off hand and for free if there worth there salt.

Crystal is really just glass but if you look at your window you'll notice it darkens the outside. Crystal does this on a MUCH smaller scale so will often appear almost clear.

as for those inperfections. Theyre called incusions and can be found in any glass OR crystal and in most gemstones

[Flar's Freyja]

That's a great idea, Grey! Thanks :)

[AirCrystal]

I'm a longstanding fan of natural crystals (**wink**) >>>>>
Mine is natural crystal, cost me $230 Canadian and is only 2 3/4 inches in diameter .


THE DIFFERENCE: Indeed when there are no "ghosts", inclusions or misty bits then the ball is glass (especially when it is large. It is possible to cut a very small crystal that is completely clear but that is so suspect that I'd not even go for it. A crystal is a naturally forming quartz formation during liquid magmatic formation. It occurs at very high temperatures and under enormous pressures (several hundred atmospheres). All healing crystals are formed this way. Rock crystal is pure quartz (silicic acid solution) and it translates/transfers energy.

HOW FORMED: During cooling aqueous solutions result... they permeate into walls and cavities or clefts and the mineral solution in these environments cool very slowing (1 degree in 40,000 years) ... resulting in large beautiful crystals in spaces where they are undisturbed to grow. Amethyst, rock crystal (from which crystal balls are cut if they are natural), chalcedony are formed this way.

Those crystals (the natural points) that have phantoms (of its final size) within them have taken millions of years to form (grow then dormant then grow again).

USES: Spiritually it improves perception and understanding, strengthens conviction and encourages development that is appropriate to our own inner nature. it helps recall forgotten memories and to bring them into conscious awareness. Phsyically it is said to help balance both sides of the brain, fortify the nerves and stimulate glandular activity. it supplies energy and enhances the effectiveness of other crystals that are being used with it.

Blessed BE.