The Chemistry of Glass in Windows and Bottles

Glass is mostly silica, the same chemical found in sand, melted at high temperatures.
Soda-lime glass, made with sodium carbonate and limestone, is the most common type for windows and bottles.
Amorphous structure means glass molecules are disordered, giving it a solid yet non-crystalline form.
Color in glass comes from metal oxides—iron makes green, cobalt makes blue.
Tempered glass is cooled rapidly to make it four times stronger and safer when broken.
Borosilicate glass, with added boron, resists heat shock and is used in labware and cookware.
Recycling glass saves energy because cullet (crushed glass) melts at lower temperatures than raw sand.
UV-blocking additives can be mixed into glass to protect interiors and contents from sun damage.
Glass bottles are impermeable, keeping drinks fresher without chemical leaching.
Smart glass uses chemistry and electricity to switch between clear and opaque states.