What is glass

Where a formula for glass might call for 1,400 pounds of silica sand and 540 pounds of soda ash (these numbers were taken from an actual glass batch formula), the coloring agent for the mix might be something like 4 pounds of uranium oxide.

Four pounds of anything mixed in a ton of other stuff is a pretty insignificant amount. The amount of arsenic added to the same formula might amount to about 5 pounds, and all of it is essentially used up in the process of removing the dissolved gas bubbles before the pot of glass is ready to be used.

Similarly, small amounts of the coloring agents are used for the various colors.

To make lead glass, using the same 1,400 pounds of sand, the company might use up to 600 pounds of lead compound.

How is glass made video

That doesn't mean that you have anything to worry about - the lead is part of the glass itself, and the lead compound is what gives the glass its clarity.

Glass colored by Uranium will set off a geiger counter if the counter is placed directly next to the glass.

Move the counter a foot away and you will get no reading at all. The glass is not dangerous t

borosilicate glass how is it made

stained glass how is it made