Glass – what is it, anyway?

Glass. You look at it every day – through the window, on your phone screen, in the mirror. But have you ever wondered what glass really is? Is it a liquid or a solid? And how many types are there? Today we clear up all doubts!

What is glass?

Glass is an inorganic material, mainly made from quartz sand (SiO₂), heated to very high temperatures (over 1700°C), and then rapidly cooled. Unlike metals or ceramics, glass does not have an ordered crystalline structure – it is a so-called amorphous solid. That’s why it is often said that glass is a "solidified liquid."

Types of glass – a quick overview

Glass is not just windows and glasses. There are many varieties, each created for a specific application. Below you will find the most important types of glass – starting with those closest to architecture.

Building (architectural) glass

It is what creates the facades of skyscrapers, windows in homes, and partition walls in offices.

1. Float glass

The most basic and common flat glass. Smooth, without optical distortions, ideal as a base for further processing (e.g., tempering or laminating).

2. Tempered glass

Subjected to thermal treatment, making it several times more durable than ordinary glass. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces – which is why it is often used in doors, railings, and shower cabins.

3. Laminated glass (VSG)

Composed of two or more sheets of glass bonded with PVB film. Even when shattered, the sheet holds together. This is safe glass, often used in car windows and building facades.

4. Insulated (double-glazed) glass

Made of two or more sheets of glass separated by a spacer frame filled with air or noble gas. Provides thermal and acoustic insulation, ideal for energy-efficient windows.

5. Ornamental glass

With embossing or texture. It lets light through but limits visibility – popular in bathrooms and interior doors.

6. Sunlight and reflective glass

With a coating that reflects light and heat – used in modern office buildings and structures with a lot of glazing.

7. Fire-resistant glass

Built in layers, specially designed to delay the spread of fire – used in public buildings.

8. Utility glass

This is the glass used to make vessels, glasses, vases.

• Soda-lime glass – cheap and common.

• Borosilicate glass – resistant to high temperatures (e.g., heat-resistant dishes).

• Crystal glass (lead glass) – very transparent, with a high gloss. Previously made with lead, now increasingly produced using safe methods.

9. Specialized glass

This is glass used in industry, science, and technology.

• Laboratory glass – resistant to chemicals and temperature changes.

• Optical glass – for lenses, microscopes, glasses.

• Fiber optic glass – used for data transmission.

• Photochromic glass – changes color under UV light (e.g., photochromic glasses).

Why is building glass so important?

Glass in architecture is more than just a transparent barrier. It is daylight, aesthetics, energy efficiency, and safety. Modern technologies today allow for facades that not only look futuristic but also protect against noise, heat, and break-ins.

In summary

Glass is one of the most versatile materials of our time. In construction, it plays a key role today – combining practical and aesthetic functions. From simple panes to burglar-resistant glass, to smart glass that reacts to light – its possibilities are truly impressive.

Next time you look out the window, think: it’s not just glass. It’s engineering, safety, and design – all in one.

office@szklototu.pl