Solarized glass

Description

Formerly colorless glass that has become colored (pink, violet, yellow) due to exposure with Ultraviolet radiation. Solarized glass most commonly seen is pink to violet because it contains Manganese. Since at least the 2nd century BCE, manganese has been used as a glass decolorizer to diminish the greenish hue imparted by trace amounts of Iron. However, with exposure to ultraviolet light, manganese can photo-oxidize to reform Manganese dioxide which is violet in color. In the 20th century, Selenium and Cerium were also used as decolorizers; when photo-oxidized they impart a yellow to golden hue.

Synonyms and Related Terms

desert glass

Resources and Citations

• Thomas B. Brill, Light Its Interaction with Art and Antiquities, Plenum Press, New York City, 1980