For centuries, humans have been producing, using and benefiting from the wonders of glass. But how far does your knowledge of this material go? Here are a few interesting facts about our personal favourite material.
- Nature made it first
Before humans began crafting glass, nature was already on it! When sand is struck by lightning the heat creates a tube-like glass. This is called fulgurites. Volcanic eruptions also create forms of glass that are called obsidians.
- Sand: the basis of all glass
In order to produce glass, you will need sand. Silica, a form of sand, is created by combining limestone and soda ash in a high-temperature furnace. The liquid is then cooled. The result? Glass.
- Glass is 100% recyclable
A characteristic that many materials cannot boast: glass is a material that can be endlessly recycled. This will not change or damage its purity and quality. This is a great environmentally friendly feature. Recycling glass also helps save various natural resources; including limestone whilst simultaneously decreasing carbon dioxide emissions.
- Minerals: the new glass dye
When you combine glass with certain minerals, the colour of your glass will change. Want to make violet coloured glass? Add a little bit of nickel oxide. Green glass just requires non-toxic chrome oxide.
- Glass is pure
The purity of glass means that it is air-tight and impermeable. Glass can handle high-pressure sealing, which will safeguard all contents from oxygen and/or moisture.
However, the greatest glass fact pertains to its aesthetic appeal, versatility and functional charm. Want proof? Click here to see the visual wonders of glass at Aluview.