Glass

materials · transparent · everyday

Made from sand. Glass is created by heating sand to extremely high temperatures until it melts into a liquid, then letting it cool down quickly. As it cools, the sand doesn't form crystals like salt or sugar do, which is what makes glass special.

See right through it. Glass is transparent, meaning light can pass straight through it so you can see what's on the other side. This is why we use it for windows, eyeglasses, and the screens on picture frames.

Doesn't react easily. Glass is chemically inert, which means it doesn't react with most liquids or foods you put in it. This is why drinking glasses are safe and why scientists use glass containers for experiments.

Super useful stuff. Because glass is clear, safe, and doesn't break down easily, we use it everywhere: in our homes for windows, on our tables for dishes and cups, and even in cameras and telescopes to help us see better.