| What
is Borosilicate Glass?
Borosilicate glass is a very unique and specialized variety
of glass. Its composition is different from the "soft"
glass that is normally used for beads, paperweights, art
glass bowls, ornaments, etc. Borosilicate glass is far stronger
than "soft" glass and has been used for everything
from stovetop cookware to nuclear waste containment. One
of its most frequent uses is to make scientific glassware
such as beakers and test tubes.
Chemical Composition
Chemically speaking, borosilicate glass substitutes boron
oxide particles in place of the soda and lime particles
found in soft glass. The boron oxide serves as a flux or
glue to hold the silicate particles together with aluminum
oxide and sodium oxide. Because the boron oxide particles
are so small, the silicate is held together more closely
resulting in a much stronger glass. Borosilicate glass is
also highly resistant to the strongest of chemicals and
acid compounds.
Unusual Durability!
One big reason we prefer to work with borosilicate glass
is because it results in a much stronger finished piece.
It will stand up to a lot of wear and tear without having
to treat it as carefully as soft glass jewelry. It often
amazes people how many "accidents" this glass
can survive without breaking or cracking. Unlike soft glass, Borosilicate
glass is also immune to the corrosive (etching) effects
of natural fatty acids found on human skin and the Alphahydroxy
acids found in many skin care lotions and treatments currently
on the market.
Unique Color Palette
Another major reason for using borosilicate glass is the
amazing color palette available. There are actually fewer
colors available to work with but each one is an organic,
living color that can be manipulated and shaded with careful
torch work and annealing. The finished piece appears much
more dynamic and vibrant. Also, because of the chemical
composition of borosilicate glass, different precious metals
such as silver and gold may be used to color the glass in
some very unique and amazing ways.
Source:
Solstice Glass
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