Turn cubic zirconia into glass?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of creating glass from cubic zirconia, comparing it to the process of making glass from sapphire. Participants explore the implications of the crystal structure of cubic zirconia and the definitions of glass and crystal.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether glass can be made from cubic zirconia, noting that the term "cubic" refers to its crystal structure.
  • Others argue that many materials can be transformed into glass if cooled sufficiently, referencing the concept of the glass transition.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of sapphire glass, with some participants asserting that it is not a true glass but rather a crystal, as it retains a crystalline structure.
  • One participant highlights that sapphire is a crystalline transparent oxide with a large band gap, further differentiating it from true glass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether cubic zirconia can be made into glass and the definitions of glass versus crystal. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the glass transition and the definitions of materials, indicating potential limitations in understanding the properties and classifications of cubic zirconia and sapphire.

ThaNewGuy_89
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Can you make glass out of cubic zirconia, like you can with sapphire?
 
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ThaNewGuy_89 said:
Can you make glass out of cubic zirconia, like you can with sapphire?
It would no longerbe cubic zirconia if you did, the cubic part refers to the crystal structure of the material. You can make a glass out of many materials (including pure metals) if you can cool it sufficiently enough. Have a look at the glass transition.
 
Vagn said:
It would no longerbe cubic zirconia if you did, the cubic part refers to the crystal structure of the material. You can make a glass out of many materials (including pure metals) if you can cool it sufficiently enough. Have a look at the glass transition.

If Wikipedia is to be believed, sapphire glass is not a glass, but a crystal. The crystalline structure of corundum is preserved. The (German) entry 'Saphir' is more categorical in that point: Die Bezeichnung ist irreführend, da Saphirglas kein Glas ist. Saphirglas besitzt eine kristalline und keine glasartige (amorphe) Struktur.
 
NTW said:
If Wikipedia is to be believed, sapphire glass is not a glass, but a crystal. The crystalline structure of corundum is preserved. The (German) entry 'Saphir' is more categorical in that point: Die Bezeichnung ist irreführend, da Saphirglas kein Glas ist. Saphirglas besitzt eine kristalline und keine glasartige (amorphe) Struktur.
Good point, sapphire is a crystalling transparent oxide with a large band gap (~9 eV), rather than a true glass.
 

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