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By Mary Braun

Optic crystal, sometimes called optical crystal, is the type most commonly used in making of awards. Because pressure is used to eliminate bubbles and other flaws during the manufacturing process, instead of lead oxide, optic crystal is completely lead-free. However the manufacturing process that it undergoes results in thick sheets that are not suitable to be used in glassware, vases and bowls. Generally, only solid forms such as plaques, certain types of sculptures and obelisks are made using it. In addition to being 100% lead free, it is known for its hardness and clarity.

Black optic crystal, used largely to form base pieces for other sculptures and figurines, is made by introducing special additives during the manufacturing process.

Starfire is another lead-free crystal that is manufactured through a similar process. It is know for its slight blue tint. Due to its less than perfect clarity, there is some debate about whether or not Starfire deserves to be called a crystal, or if it should be simply be called a type of glass.

Like its blue-tinted cousin Starfire, Jade crystal has slight green tint. It is a favorite in the making of corporate awards.

When people think of crystal, they most often envision gorgeous glasses that emit a clear ringing note when delicately tapped with the tines of a fork. The type of crystal that they actually have in mind is called ”full lead crystal”, and is named for the lead oxide used in its manufacture. Lead oxide has been used to eliminate bubbles and other defects since crystal was first created. Full lead crystal is still blown by teams of glass makers, giving it a greater flexibility in form and design than optic crystal. Awards shaped as bowls, vases and figurines are made using it.

Any lead crystal that contains less than a minimum of twenty-four percent lead oxide, is not considered to be full lead crystal.

Two and three-dimensional etched images are another form of award currently gaining in popularity. These thoroughly stunning and lifelike images are made by focusing a laser so that it will create a microscopic crack deep inside of the crystal. Because it is not possible to draw a continuous line, the laser must be repositioned and the process repeated hundreds of thousands of times in order to complete the image. Only absolutely bubble and flaw-free crystal can be used in the making of one of these awards, or the laser may not be able to accurately hit its target and the image will be ruined. The surface must also be completely flat, making it very difficult, but not impossible, to create an etching inside of a sphere or other irregularly shaped piece of crystal.

Showing someone how much you value and appreciate them with a crystal award is a gesture that will never be forgotten. It is a memento that will be treasured forever.

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