
Glass Alchemy: Color
Have you ever wondered how the vibrant colors in glass are created? Let's delve into the fascinating world of glass color production and the different oxides used to achieve a spectrum of hues.
Understanding the Role of Oxides
Oxides play a crucial role in determining the color of glass. Different metal oxides are added to the glass mixture to achieve specific colors. For example, cobalt oxide is used to create a rich blue hue, while chromium oxide produces a striking green color.
Iron oxide is a versatile oxide that can produce a range of colors depending on its concentration and the type of glass. In low concentrations, iron oxide can create delicate shades of green, while higher concentrations result in amber or brown tones.
Copper oxide is another popular choice for creating vibrant colors in glass. When added to the glass mixture, copper oxide can produce stunning shades of turquoise, teal, and even red, depending on the other elements present in the mix.
Manganese oxide is known for its ability to create purple and amethyst hues in glass. By carefully controlling the amount of manganese oxide added to the mix, glassmakers can achieve a range of purple shades, from pale lavender to deep violet.
Selenium and sulfur are two other elements that can be used to alter the color of glass. Selenium is often used to create a vibrant red color, while sulfur can produce a golden yellow hue. These elements add depth and complexity to the palette of available glass colors.
Watch this video Corning made all about oxides and colored glass.
Formulating Glass Color
Recipes for different colors have been a tightly kept secret across the history of glass. Back in the 1920s, there were men who were responsible for developing color formulas and they would write their recipes in code in little black books. One of the most famous glass factory figures in history was Frederick Carder who pioneered countless color formulas. Corning's Rakow Library has digitally archived his work and has them available for the public to learn from his coveted notebooks.
Manufacturing Glass in Germany
There are a few companies in the world that manufacture glass color for all the artists in the world. The most popular factories are the Farbglashütte Reichenbach GmbH factory and the Spezialglashütte Kugler Colors GmbH factory and both are located in Germany.
"Spezialglashütte Kugler Colors GmbH derives its origin from the Dressler glass company in Morchenstern, located in “Sudetenland“. Since then we have been operating our company continuously.
After World War II the „Sudetenland“ tradition of glass making was continued in Neugablonz where our production plant is located up to the present day." - Kuglar
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of creating colored glass is a delicate and precise art that relies on the careful selection and combination of various metal oxides. By understanding the role of different oxides, glassmakers can produce an endless array of colors, from subtle pastels to bold, jewel-toned hues.