In contemporary life, most of us rely on glass more than we think: glass is not only used in our windshields and Windows, but also in the optical cables beneath our feet, which are of great significance. Now we look at each other through a glass screen, Mauro said in an interview. It made me acutely aware of the fragility of our connection. We spoke via Zoom, a remote online video conferencing software. Mauro continued: Without glass, we would not have tablets, mobile phones, a range of information terminals. All of this is transmitted by light signals using ultra-fine glass wires that we call fiber optics. Without glass, he says, we wouldn't be able to appreciate modern architecture, artificial light, natural light, cars, and most importantly, such a wealth of information.
But glass is an interesting material, in part because the word itself is a general term, referring not to a substance with a specific chemical ratio, but to a substance with specific structural characteristics that can be made from endless formulations. However, when we talk about glass, we understand it as something very specific: it is a material that is hard and brittle, but with enough heat it can become viscous and fluid. Sometimes glass is mistakenly thought of as a liquid because it will creep (albeit very slowly) even in its cooled state. Glass is not like a solid like a rock because its molecules are not as well organized as any crystal. Diamonds have a very regular crystal structure, as do ice and crystallized honey, but glass does not. Although glass is more solid and reliable than ice, at the molecular level, the arrangement of glass molecules is much less ordered.
Glassware comes in a variety of materials. The most common options are crystal, tempered glass, and clear glass. Crystal glass, often celebrated for its brilliance and clarity, is a popular choice for special occasions and formal settings. However, it can be more expensive and brittle. Tempered glass, on the other hand, is more resilient and can withstand high temperatures, making it perfect for everyday use. Clear glass is versatile and budget-friendly, ideal for anyone looking for practicality without compromising on style.