Crystal glass products
Crystal glass contains lead oxide, which gives the products their characteristic properties, such as its heavier weight than common glassware. However, crystal glass is also soft and malleable, allowing it to be shaped and cut into distinct crystal forms.
Crystal glass product requirements
Only crystal glass products that comply with the prescribed list of crystal glass categories and have certain characteristics regarding the content of metal oxides, density, refractive index and surface hardness may be placed on the market.
The technical requirements for the composition and labelling of crystal glass products are defined in the list of crystal glass categories. In verifying the characteristics of a product, the prescribed methods for determining the chemical composition and physical properties of crystal glass categories are used.
List of crystal glass categories
| No. | Description of category | Explanatory notes | Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full lead crystal 30% | The description may be used freely both in the country of origin and the country of destination. The percentage figure refers to the lead oxide content of the glass (PbO). |
Round label Colour: gold ɸ ≥ 1 cm |
| 2 | Lead crystal 24% | The description may be used freely both in the country of origin and the country of destination. The percentage figure refers to the lead oxide content of the glass (PbO). |
Round label Colour: gold ɸ ≥ 1 cm |
| 3 | Crystal glass (Crystallin) | Only the description in the language or languages of the country in which the goods are marketed may be used. Exception: In Germany, pressed glass containing 18% PbO and having a density of at least 2.70 may be sold under the description "PRESSBLEIKRISTALL" or "BLEIKRISTALL GEPRESST" (in capital letters). |
Square label Colour: silver Side length: ≥ 1 cm |
| 4 | Crystal glass | Only the description in the language or languages of the country in which the goods are marketed may be used. Exception: In Germany, pressed glass containing 18% PbO and having a density of at least 2.70 may be sold under the description "PRESSBLEIKRISTALL" or "BLEIKRISTALL GEPRESST" (in capital letters). |
Label in the shape of an equilateral triangle Colour: silver Side length: ≥ 1 cm |