GLASS:
(Redirected from CRYSTAL.)A fused mixture of metallic silicates, generally transparent or translucent. Its manufacture dates from the earliest times, glass-blowers being represented on tombs dating from the fifth dynasty in Egypt, of the fourth millennium
The only direct reference to glass in the Old Testament is that in Job xxviii. 17, where it is declared that neither gold nor glass (
By Talmudic times the Jews seem to have acquired the art of glass-blowing. It is referred to as being practised by them (Yer. Shab. vii. 2), possibly because many Jews were settled near Belus, known for its sands. White glass was very dear (Ḥul. 84b; Ber. 31a): it is even stated that its manufacture ceased after the destruction of the Second Temple (Soṭah 48b; Suk. iv. 6). The poorer classes used colored glass (Tosef., Peah, iv.). A remarkable number of articles were made wholly or partly of glass; e.g., tables, bowls, spoons, drinking-vessels, bottles (Kelim xxx. 1-4), beads (ib. xi. 8), lamps, beds, stools, seats, cradles, and paper-knives and -weights (Tosef., Kelim, iii. 7). These were sold by weight by Jewish merchants (B. B. 89a; B. Ḳ. 31a). Mirrors were usually of metal; but glass ones are referred to (Kelim 30b; Shab. 149a).
- Hastings, Dict. Bible, s.v.;
- Herzfeld, Handelsgeschichte, pp. 125, 193, 319.