Things you may have never known about glass!

Whether in the home or outside or anywhere on earth glass has probably been one of the most utilisable materials man has created. Below is list of glass facts you may not have previously known.

1. The rumours that glass is made from sand are true. Sand, soda ash and lime and mixed together and super heated with glass being the end result.

2. Contrary to popular belief, the colouring of glass is not achieved by using colourants or dyes. It is the chemical structure that changes the colour of glass. For example glass with with a medium to high Iron content gives a green hue, whereas glass with a low iron content is completely clear. Other chemicals such as Nickel oxide causes the glass to give a purple tint.

3. Glass occurs naturally in nature. If lightning strikes the ground the high temperatures involved form the natural Silicates into a form of glass, albeit different than the glass found in the home. Volcanoes also produce a form of glass from rapidly cooling magma which is called Obsidian.

4. Glass contains a lot of stored energy from the super heating process which is why there is a loud noise when it breaks. Glass cracks at around 3000mph which is 4 times the speed of sound.

5. Glass windows were invented in the early 17th century. Prior to that flattened animal horn was used or the window hole was simply covered by a shutter.

6. Glass is not a solid, true or false? The answer is true! Glass isn't actually classified as a solid, liquid or gas but when it is cooled is known as an 'amorphous solid'. Meaning the glass molecules still move around.

7. The most expensive glass item in the world is the 'Portland vase'. It is estimated to be over 2000 years old and currently resides in the British museum. It is so rare and unique that it is considered 'Priceless'.

8. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled time and time again without losing any of its purity.

9. Glass is extremely durable and it is estimated it could take 1 Million years for it to decompose.