History of Glass
Posted by admin on Jun 23, 2009
More than likely, a combination of extremely high temperatures that would mix volcanic eruptions, lightning strikes and the impact of meteorites, combined with a sudden cool down are more than likely the logical reasoning for naturally occurring glass. A glass cutting tool referred to as tektites is also a natural formed glass believed to be in connection with some type of extraterrestrial, also referred to as obsidianities. Volcanic glass is referred to hyalopsite. Mountain Mahogany or Iceland Agate were also used as cutting tools by stone age man.
In the region of Syria 5000 BC, ancient-Roman historian Pliny became aware of glass while observing Phoenician merchants using cooking pots on blocks of nitrate placed very closely to their fire. This process eventually led to melting and mixing with the sand on the beach that caused formation of an opaque liguid.
Man-made transparent glass beads date back to 3500 BC, the ancient Egyptians were creative with any symbol or design of beauty. They did not place limitations of any kind of body ornamentation. Creating and wearing glass jewelry had many symbols such as holistic fashion, value and spiritual protection. In Egypt as well as Eastern Mesopotamia, glass was also used as a glaze for ceramic pots and vases. The combination of basic raw materials of glass, calciferous sand, soda and extreme heat from an overhead kiln created a new art, this news spread quickly along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea.
Hollow glass production began 1500 BC, the Egyptians developed a system for producing glass pots. They perfected a process of dipping a core mold of compacted sand into a mass of melted glass, then rolling it on a stone or flat slab for smoothness and/or decoration.
It is estimated that between 27 BC and AD 14, Glassblowing was discovered by using a long thin metal tube created by Syrian craftsmen. At this time, a variety of shapes, sizes & designs were originated by the ancient Romans. That very technique remains the same today. In AD 100, the Roman Empire is responsible for the success of glassworks across western Europe as well as the Mediterranean. In addition, the Romans uncovered the secret to clear glass which involves the use of manganese oxide. With the discovery of clear glass, the Romans attempted to cast glass windows for designing and constructing valuable buildings in Rome in addition to luxurious villas of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Although the fall and geographical division of the Roman Empire slowed the progress of glassmaking techniques in that area, in Alexandria they were producing luxurious glass items for export such as the glass carafe.
Chances are that if you are searching for a glass carafe, you are running into many decanters. Glass carafes and decanters are very similar. In fact, without the stopper on the decanter, you may mistake it for a carafe. Decanters will often have a stopper or cork. This is because decanters are often used for red wine or whiskey and the decanter will also be used for storage or aeration, as well as serving. However chances are quite good that your glass carafe will be used for something more like orange juice or milk and these will often be served immediately. There will be no need for aeration or storage and the carafes’ main purpose will be for elegance or beauty on the breakfast or dinner table. So the next time you have guests over for a nice meal or holiday celebration, don’t forget to share your favorite beverage in a beautiful decanter or glass carafe.
Historically, prior to the fall of the Roman Empire, the Ancient Romans used glass carafes solely for the purpose of serving wine. During this period, the production of glass greatly declined, and as a result the Romans used several other metals and/or materials to produce carafes such as silver and gold, bronze, and earthenware which is pottery made from fired clay. However during the Renaissance era, the creation of beautifully etched glass carafes were made.