Turning Stone into Refractive Glass: Temperature Requirements

In summary: The usual way for natural glasses to form is to cool lava (usually basaltic, but not nessecarily) so quickly that crystals do not have time to form. The temperature at which this happens is dependent on the lava composition, as this sets its melting point.
  • #1
randy23
14
0
What temperature does stone have to reach for it to turn into refractive glass?
 
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  • #2
What do you mean when you say 'refractive glass'?

The usual way for natural glasses to form is to cool lava (usually basaltic, but not nessecarily) so quickly that crystals do not have time to form. The temperature at which this happens is dependent on the lava composition, as this sets its melting point.
 
  • #3
matthyaouw said:
What do you mean when you say 'refractive glass'?

The usual way for natural glasses to form is to cool lava (usually basaltic, but not nessecarily) so quickly that crystals do not have time to form. The temperature at which this happens is dependent on the lava composition, as this sets its melting point.

Sorry for not explaining very well. Is it possible to turn normal rock into glass using extreme heat? If so, at what temperature would it have to be?
 
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  • #4
Not as far as I know. The way I've described is the only way I know that natural glass forms. When intense heat is applied to rocks, they undergo metamorphosis, in which their mineral structure is altered (extreme pressure often, but not always present during metamorphisis too.)
Resulting rocks show a vareity of textures, depending on the specific properties of the original rock and the conditions under which the change occured, but a glassy texture is not one of them. The page I linked to has more detailed information if you are interested.

If temperatures continue to increase, rock will melt completely and eventually cool to form an igneous rock such as granite.
 
  • #5
The majority of rocks are composed of a variety of minerals, each with a distinct melting point. When you raise the temperature of a rock certain minerals will melt first. This is the reverse of the process by which a magma solidifies. [One of the reasons there are so many kinds of igneous rock is that as the first minerals separate from the melt they change its composition.]
If a magma is cooled suddenly, as matthyaouw has noted, then it will yield a glassy composition.
Refractive glass, by which I think you may mean transparent glass, is made industrially by taking very pure quartz sand and melting it. This sand is generally taken from dunes rather than from sandstone.
 

Related to Turning Stone into Refractive Glass: Temperature Requirements

1. What is the process of turning stone into refractive glass?

The process of turning stone into refractive glass involves heating the stone to high temperatures, melting it, and then cooling it rapidly to form a solid glass material. This process is known as vitrification and it transforms the stone into a highly transparent and durable glass material.

2. What are the temperature requirements for turning stone into refractive glass?

The temperature requirements for turning stone into refractive glass vary depending on the type of stone being used and the desired properties of the final glass product. In general, temperatures between 1400-1600°C (2552-2912°F) are required for successful vitrification of most stones.

3. Can any type of stone be turned into refractive glass?

No, not all types of stone can be turned into refractive glass. Only certain types of stones, such as silica-based stones like quartz, can be effectively transformed into glass through the vitrification process. Other types of stones, such as limestone or marble, may not be suitable for this process.

4. What factors influence the temperature requirements for turning stone into refractive glass?

The main factors that influence the temperature requirements for turning stone into refractive glass include the composition and chemical properties of the stone, the size and shape of the stone, and the desired properties of the final glass product. Different stones may require different temperatures for successful vitrification.

5. Are there any other methods for turning stone into glass besides vitrification?

Yes, there are other methods for turning stone into glass, such as melting and casting, which involves melting the stone and pouring it into a mold to create a specific shape. However, vitrification is the most common and efficient method for turning stone into refractive glass, as it results in a highly transparent and durable glass material.

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