Glass could be among the most used substances on Earth. However, we have some interesting facts about glass that you may not have heard of. Glass is utilized in a variety of areas from architecture, technology science, construction, to decoration, and more.
In reality, glass is now an integral part of our lives. As technology advances, we now produce different kinds of glass. We can only hope that this evolution of glass will not stop.
Below, we’ve collected a few top fun facts about glass. We’ll also provide the entire list in this particular article.
So, let’s delve right into it…
25 Fun facts about Glass
#1 How glass is made
Incredibly, making glass is quite simple. The primary raw material used to make glass — believe it or not, is sand. However, not all kinds of sand are suitable to create clear glass. To make clear glass, you require silica sand. The melting point for sand, or it is the point at which it begins to melt is around 1700 degrees Celsius or 3092-degree Fahrenheit.
In other words, you need to warm up sand at the extreme temperature of around 1200-1700 degrees Celsius. In that point, the Sand will change into a distinct type of sand that’s liquid. It’ll not go back to its previous state if you cool the sand. Instead, it will change into a unique state that we refer to as “Glass”.
2. History of Glass
Glass is not new to humankind. There is evidence that suggests that humans were making glass since around 3600 BCE. Archaeologists have discovered that glass was produced by hand in Egypt, Syria, or Mesopotamia (Now Iraq, Kuwait and Kuwait, etc.) in the beginning. This means that glassmaking has been since 6000 year on Earth.
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#3 Is it Glass Liquid or Solid?
This is a fascinating problem to ask. In fact the study regarding the properties of glass was among the most famous unsolved issues in Physics for quite a while. This means that we do not have an answer that is definitive for this issue. If you could examine glass under a microscope you’d see that the molecules of glass are placed in an irregular manner.
This means it’s a liquid. But, it is also possible to declare it is solid by its appearance. This is why scientists have classified glass as an Amorphous solid. In simple terms, glass is neither liquid nor solid. However, it is possible to declare it either liquid or solid. Strange, isn’t it?
#4 When Glass Shakes
Although glass can be described as very solid (or liquid) in physical form, it could break very easily. But are you aware of the rate at which glass shatters? It is interesting to note that the cracks in glass travel at a staggering speed of 3000 miles per hour or 4828 kilometres/hour. In comparison, the speed of sound in dry air, which is just 767 miles/hour.
#5 Tempered Glass
You are probably familiar with glass that is tempered. This kind that is referred to by the name of toughened glass. Tempered glass is treated differently from normal glass. It is made by using controlled thermal or chemical processes that are different from normal glass.
Because of this tempering, tempered glass can be around four times stronger than standard ones. However, it is important to remember that this doesn’t mean the glass that is tempered is invulnerable to break. In fact that tempered glass is susceptible to breaking also. However, this kind of glass is more secure than normal glass. Due to the differences in the manufacturing process the glass that is tempered will break into granular chinks, rather than breaking into shards of jagged glass.
This means that they tend to be less likely cause injuries. Due to the strength and security features in tempered glass it has been a very popular kind of glass for a variety of applications such as screen protectors for mobile phones, window glass in vehicles, refrigerator tray, and many more.
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#6 Optical Fiber
The majority of us are acquainted with the optical fiber. It is used by many of telecom companies across the globe. Did you realize they are constructed of glass?
Some optical fibers can also be made from polymer or plastic. In general, however, manufacturers make use of glass to create optical fiber. Fiber optics are able to transfer information at speeds that can reach 10 Gbps.
7 Glass in Nature
In the present you are aware that glass can be made out of sand. All you require is the highest temperature in order to make glass out of sand. Because of this, there are many examples of glass found in the natural world.
It is interesting to note that glass can be formed because of a variety of natural events such as lightning, volcanic eruption or even the collision of meteorites. Therefore, even though we have been making glass since around 3600 BCE the natural world has been creating glass since the beginning of time.
#8 Recycling Glass
Recycling glass is the process of turning the glass waste into usable or usable goods. Incredibly, glass is nearly 100% recyclable. It means you can reuse the glass piece without losing quality or quality without any restrictions.
However, it’s extremely risky and expensive. This is why most countries do not have the highest priority for recycling glass. However, in certain countries, nearly all glass containers are produced using recycled glass. However, all other countries must reuse glass in the best way they can.
#9 Invention of Glass Windows
Today, nearly everyone uses glass for their windows. But, in the past glass was extremely expensive and people were unable to utilize glass at home. In the late 1700s, the public began using the glass window in England more often.
If we look further back in time, we can see how it was Romans who made use of glass in windows. Archeologists believe that the technique to use glass in windows was invented by the Romans around 100 AD.
#10 Colorful Glasses Are Created
It is known that glass is transparent. But where do these colored glasses originate? It is interesting to note that manufacturers use a variety of metallic oxides as well as sulfides from metals to create shades in glass.
Additionally, you can get colored glass through the addition of electrically charged ions it. The color of glass will depend on the oxide ingredients, which the manufacturer mixes and the glass. For instance, Cupric Oxide will give the color of turquoise; Manganese dioxide can produce an purple color. Cobalt oxide will give a deep blue color. Cadmium Sulfide can produce the color red.
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#11 Bulletproof Glass
We’ve all had the pleasure of hearing about bulletproof glass. It is sometimes referred to as ballistic glasses as well as transparent armor. This particular type of glass is employed in many stores, buildings and vehicles. where security is the most important concern.
This kind of glass is produced using many layers of glass laminated. With a variety of glass (soft and hard) the manufacturers also make use of various layers of polycarbonates. Laminated glass is a kind of safety glass which is resistant to shattering when the result of a collision.
Glass that is bulletproof can vary between 19 and 89 millimeters. The more thick the glass, it’ll be more secure. However, it’ll weigh more that is one of the drawbacks of bullet-proof glass. Keep in mind that bulletproof glass is not completely indestructible.
#12 The Oldest Glass Factory in the USA
The first glass plant located in USA was founded in 1608. It was built in the vicinity of Jamestown, Virginia. It is interesting to note that this was also the first known manufacturing facility within every English settlement in America. The Germans were brought to the area for work at the factories to produce glass sap, pitch, ashes, the like.
#13 unique properties of glass
Glass has a few unique characteristics in comparison to other materials. We know that it’s transparent and clear in appearance and has a easy surface, is resistant to erosion it can transmit light, is able to reflect as well as reflect it, and so on.
Additionally, it is chemically resistant. Because of this, we can see glassware being employed in hospitals and laboratories. In addition glass is also resistant to corrosion. But, in certain circumstances, glass may be dissolved or corroded by reacting with certain chemicals.
#14 Frosted Glass
Frosted glass is a different useful glass. This glass type is utilized in the production of light bulbs. This is due to the distinctive properties of the frosted glass. Also it is able to spread the light that enters it evenly across its surface.
Furthermore, because they reflect light, you can’t be able to clearly see through the glass frosted and vice versa. The image will blur out. But shadows are able to be seen through the frosted glass. This is why you may notice the use of frosted glass for windows and doors where light and privacy are crucial.
#15: The Largest Museum of Glass Art
You may have noticed that the majority of smartphones manufacturers utilize ‘Corning Glass’ on their phones. The glasses are produced through Corning Incorporated. The company is primarily involved in glass. They have the expertise and a long history of glass. This is why a majority of the leading brands around the world that require glass will turn toward Corning Inc.
They also have a museum focused on the science of art, the history, and science of glass. The Corning Museum of glass is known for its extensive collection of more than fifty thousand glass items. Actually, some of the collections are over three hundred years old. Today, it’s the biggest museum dedicated to glass around the world. It was founded in 1951.
#16 King Charles VI and Glass
The King Charles VI was a ruler of France. His reign lasted between 1380 and 1422. He was also known as the “Beloved”. But this isn’t the thing he is most famous for. In fact He is known for his affliction with a glass illusion. Yes, you read it exactly. King would believe that his body was made of glass.
Therefore, he prohibited anyone else to contact him. Also, he wore protected clothing to be protected from accidental’shattering’. Incredibly, he wasn’t the only person with this kind of glass illusion. Numerous studies were discovered similar to this during the period 1500-1700.
17 Most Popular Glass & Glassware Producing Countries
In the present, China is the biggest producer and exporter of glass as well as glassware around the globe. However, they didn’t produce glass since the early 600s. In the last year, they sold glass and glasses for a value around 16.9 billion dollars.
The second spot is awarded to Germany They have exported glass goods worth approximately 7.7 billion dollars. America is in 3rd place. USAis third position with an income of around 5.8 billion dollars from exporting glass products in the last year.
#18 Invention of the Glassblowing
Today, we have advanced technology and equipment to create glass. In the past, glassmakers would employ a specific method to create glass. This method was known as “Glassblowing’. According to reports, this technique was developed by craftsmen from Syria around 100 BC.
As time passed glassblowing techniques spread to Egypt, Venice, and other areas of the globe. Actually it is utilized today to manufacture fiber optics, semiconductors, and electrochemical cells.
19 Inventions of the First Hollow Glass Container
Humans were making glass since thousands of years long ago. However, it wasn’t until the year 1500 BC that we were able to manufacture hollow containers made of glass. Around 1500 BC craftsmen from Egypt began to create hollow containers made of glass. The containers could be used to keep oils and Ointments.
#20 Application of Glass in Technology
Glass is extensively used in the field of technology. For instance, it is used to create fiber optics for telecommunications. It is also evident that telescopes, microscopes, cameras lenses and more. utilize glass. Glass is also utilized in optical discs, laser printers laser diodes, even photocopiers.
#21 Glass is used in Construction
Nowadays glass has been a major construction material. In the present, we do not only make use of glass for windows and doors. However, with the advent of several new glassmaking technologies such as coating, lamination as well as double-glazing, glass can be employed in internal and external walls of buildings.
Many skyscrapers were built with glass as the building materials. Most often, only the safe type glass is utilized in these instances.
#22 Glass is formed by Meteorite Impact
Glass can be formed naturally. One of the most well-known examples of glass that naturally occurs is called ‘Obsidian’. This particular kind of glass is made in volcanoes. However, there’s a different natural glass type that occurs naturally too.
It is also often referred to as ‘Impactite’. This glass type occurs as a result of the impact of meteorites onto Earth. Moldavite is a form of impactite glass that is known for its distinctive green color. This kind of silica projectile rock is located in eastern and central Europe.
There is a belief that they originated around fifteen million years ago when an impactor hit Southern German region. The “Libyan desert glass” is another wonderful glass made of impactite. It is located within the east of Sahara desert as well as in other deserts in Syria as well as Egypt.
#23 Glass used by Ancient Humans
Glassmaking is an old art. In fact it has been made by people who have made glass for around 6000 years today. It is believed that one of the initial (true artificial) glass was produced around Lebanon, Syria, or the ancient Egypt. As glass is naturally occurring, people from early times utilized these glasses that naturally occured for everyday tasks.
One of the most well-known examples can be the obsidian crystal. This kind of glass was used by humans all through early Stone Age. Obsidian glass was used as knives or weapons. Because it is a glass that can be broken with sharp edges.
24. Origin of The Term Glass
The word “Glass” comes from the Latin word ‘Glesum’, which is a late-Lat’. It refers to a transparent but shiny object. In the beginning it was the Roman Empire actually produced glass. At that time, the glass-making centre for the Romans was located in the city of ‘Trier’..
At present, the city is situated in Germany. It is believed that the word”glass” may originate from this region. This is why it is believed that the word “Glesum” is actually derived from the Germanic word.
#25 Time to Decompose Glass
Glass is among the most environmentally friendly material on Earth. For example, archeologists have discovered glass-made objects dating back to approximately 6000 years back. However, that is little to do with the amount of time required to break down glass.
It is interesting to note that glass takes around 1 million years for decomposition completely. Therefore, glass isn’t really as green as other materials. It is the reason that every country that are in the world must focus recycle glass.
Summary of Amazing Information about Glass
Humans have been creating as well as using glass many thousands of years. Today, it is one of the most utilized materials in our every day lives. Everywhere you go, you’ll be able to find glasses.
The device you’re using to read this article on has an LCD made of glass. You are aware of the importance of glass in our lives. This is why we’ve attempted to provide 25 facts that are not widely known regarding glass in this article.
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