White Paste or Rhinestone
Lead Glass (Artificial Simulant) · Jewelry Simulant (Costume/Vintage Jewelry Material)
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline/Isotropic). Typically faceted into round brilliant or old European-style cuts for jewelry.
Mineral Group
Non-mineraloid; Artificial Glass (Silicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 + PbO (Silicon dioxide with variable lead oxide and alkali content)
Formation Process
Man-made; glass is formed by melting silica with lead oxide at high temperatures, then rapidly cooling to prevent crystallization, often molded or hand-faceted.
About This Crystal
Transparent, colorless faceted material set in a base metal brooch. The stones exhibit a vitreous luster, though some appear slightly cloudy due to surface wear or age-related 'foiling' degradation. They are cut to mimic diamonds.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Colorless/Transparent; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.4 - 4.5 (depending on lead content); Fluorescence: Often inert or may show weak chalky blue/yellow under UV.
Optical Properties
Singly refractive (isotropic); Refractive Index: 1.50 - 1.70; Dispersion: High (giving 'fire' similar to diamonds); Optically simple with no pleochroism.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Manufactured primarily in Europe (notably Bohemia, Austria, and France) during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 5 to 6. Poor toughness; brittle and prone to scratching or chipping. Not suitable for heavy daily wear compared to natural gemstones.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or harsh chemicals. Avoid prolonged soaking as moisture can damage the 'foil' backing often used in vintage settings.
Rarity & Value
Common; widely produced for costume jewelry. Value is determined by the age, design, and condition of the jewelry piece rather than the intrinsic value of the glass stones.
Special Characteristics
High dispersion (internal fire), 'Old Mine' or 'Old European' faceting styles, and typical 'foil-back' settings used to increase brilliance and mimic higher-quality gems.
Lore & History
Historically known as 'Paste' or 'Strass' jewelry, these were used from the 18th century as high-quality substitutes for diamonds. They allowed for elaborate, ornate designs that were accessible to the middle class and served as 'travel jewelry' for the wealthy.