The Science Behind Clear Glass: Exploring the Role of Raw Material Components in Color Change Under

Have you ever noticed that clear glass can sometimes appear to be a different color under certain lighting conditions? Well, this phenomenon is not an illusion. Clear glass can indeed have different colors, depending on the lighting conditions. But why does this happen? The answer lies in the composition of the raw materials used to make glass.

Glass is made by melting a mixture of raw materials, such as silica sand, soda ash, limestone, and other additives, at very high temperatures. The melted glass is then cooled down to form a solid material. The exact composition of the raw materials used in glassmaking can vary, depending on the desired properties of the final product.

One of the additives commonly used in glassmaking is iron oxide. Iron oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that gives glass a greenish tint. In small amounts, iron oxide does not affect the transparency of glass, and the glass appears to be clear. However, under certain lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight or fluorescent lighting, the iron oxide can absorb some of the light, causing the glass to appear greenish.

Picture showed glasses with standard component (on left) and low ion component (on right).

Another additive that can affect the color of glass is selenium. Selenium is a chemical element that is sometimes added to glass to give it a red or pink.

In another hand, copper is also one such metal that can affect the color of clear glass. When copper is present in the raw materials used to make glass, it can impart a bluish-green tint to the finished product. This is because copper ions absorb certain wavelengths of light, particularly those in the red part of the spectrum. As a result, light that passes through the glass will be missing some of these red wavelengths, causing the glass to appear more blue or green. The amount of copper present in the raw materials can also affect the intensity of the color. In some cases, very small amounts of copper can create a subtle bluish-green tint, while larger amounts can create a much more noticeable color.

In simple, the composition of the raw materials used to make the glass can affect the colors that are visible when light passes through it.

Q: Which glass is better ?

A: That depends on what you're looking for in a piece of glass. If you're looking for glass with better light transmission or clarity, then a lower copper component might be better for you. However, if you're looking for glass that's more durable or heat-resistant, then a higher copper component might be preferable.