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FUN FACTS ABOUT GLASS

Naturally occurring glass, especially the volcanic glass obsidian, has been used by many Stone Age societies across the globe for the production of sharp cutting tools. Due to its limited source areas, obsidian was extensively traded. Archaeological evidence suggests that the first true glass was made in coastal north Syria, Mesopotamia, or ancient Egypt.

Here are 10 interesting facts about glass to enhance your knowledge of this everyday material:

  1. Glass is Made from Sand:

    To produce glass, sand is mixed with lime and soda ash and heated at extremely high temperatures. After the liquid mixture cools back down, the result is glass.

  2. Adding Minerals to Glass Changes its Color:

    Combining other minerals with the sand, lime, and soda ash can result in different colored glass. For example, adding nickel oxide to the mix produces violet glass.

  3. Glass Can Be Formed by Lightning:

    Because of the high temperatures, glass can naturally form when sand is struck by lightning.

  4. When Glass Breaks, the Cracks Move at 3000 mph:

    That’s five times faster than the average airplane, which travels at 575 mph!

  5. Glass Windows Were Invented in the 17th Century:

    Before that, people made windows out of flattened animal horn.

  6. Glass is Not a Solid:

    Despite what you may think, glass is not classified as a solid, liquid, or gas. When cooled, glass forms an “amorphous solid” that allows molecules within the glass to continue moving around.

  7. The “Portland Vase” is One of the Most Valuable Glass Art Pieces in the World:

    Experts estimate that the Portland Vase was made sometime between AD 5 and AD 25 in Rome. The vase is currently in the British Museum, where it has been for over 200 years. 

  8. Glass is 100% Recyclable:

    Glass can be recycled endlessly without losing any quality or purity. 

  9. Volcanic Lava Can Turn into Glass:

    Obsidian, a type of natural glass, can form when hot lava cools quickly after being expelled from a volcano. 

  10. Glass Can Take 1 Million Years to Decompose:

    Durable and resilient, glass is one of the longest-lasting man-made materials.