Glass

Glass has existed as an independent material created and used by human kind since around 2000BC. The first 2000 years of glass-making were dominated by kiln-forming and it was also used by two of the ancient civilisations: Mesopotamian and Egyptian.

Glass is neither a solid, nor a liquid, nor a gas but a truly unique material.  This is largely because it is not a natural material but a synthetic - a transformation through heat of silica sand, soda ash and lime. When a solid form of glass is heated above room temperature its viscosity changes gradually and undergoes a metamorphosis through a series of changes as it converts from solid to liquid.

Kiln-forming glass is dependent on a number of components: glass and its properties, variable heat, choice of basic glass solid(s) and the mould used. Due to the unique range of forming methods and the magical light manipulating qualities of glass it has been used over the years to make objects of differing values. At times it has been valued alongside gold and precious stones. This value is not inherent to it but depends on factors such as speed of production, scarcity and skill required.