Science Around Shepard

Description: Stained Glass Windows in The Great Hall.

Science Behind It: Chemistry/Physics

Glass itself is made using science by melting sand at high temperatures. When minerals such as cobalt oxide are added to the melting process ordinary glass obtains its colorful hue. Stained glass has it roots in history, cathedrals and other buildings built in the past are decorated with such colorful panes. The glass obtains it’s color from the the light waves in the light spectrum that can be absorbed by the added mineral. To achieve the color, method to “stain the glass” include mixing the mineral into the sand prior its firing or painting on the mineral, for example silver, and then heating the glass. This latter method was utilized to create shading in a single pane of glass adding depth to these transparent canvases.

Science Question:

How does stained glass stack up to regular glass, strength wise? Does the addition of other minerals and materials change the integrity of the glass itself?