The Fascinating History
of Glass...
[Picture shows ancient glassware from
the Roman era]
Glass is an inorganic solid material that is usually clear
or translucent with different colors. It is hard, brittle, and
stands up to the effects of wind, rain or sun.
Glass has been used for various kinds of bottles and
utensils, mirrors, windows and more. It is thought to have been
first created around 3000 BC, during the bronze age. Egyptian
glass beads date back to about 2500 BC.
Modern glass originated in Alexandria during the Ptolemaic
period, artisans created "mosaic glass" in which slices of
colored glass were used to create decorative patterns.
Glassblowing
Glassblowing was invented during the 1st century BC by the
glassmakers of Syria.
Lead Crystal Glass
During the 15th century in Venice, the first clear glass
called cristallo was invented and then heavily exported. In
1675, glassmaker George Ravenscroft invented lead crystal glass
by adding lead oxide to Venetian glass.
Sheet Glass
On March 25, 1902, Irving W Colburn patented the sheet glass
drawing machine, making the mass production of glass for
windows possible.
Glass jars and Bottles
On August 2, 1904, a patent for a "glass shaping machine"
was granted to Michael Owen. The immense production of bottles,
jars, and other containers owes its inception to this
invention.
Reference Websites
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