Sand is used for glass primarily because it is the main source of the essential ingredient needed to make glass.
The Science Behind Using Sand for Glass
According to the provided reference, sand is critical to glass manufacturing because:
- It is the principal source of silicon dioxide (SiO2).
- Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is essential for producing glass [2].
This means that the sand provides the fundamental building block for the glass structure.
For effective glass production, not just any sand will do. The sand used must meet specific quality standards as outlined in the reference:
- A high proportion of silica in the sand composition (above 95%) is required.
- A high level of chemical purity is also necessary.
These requirements ensure that the silicon dioxide content is sufficient and that impurities which could negatively affect the clarity, strength, or consistency of the glass are minimized.
In essence, sand is chosen for glassmaking because it is an abundant and primary source of the silicon dioxide molecule, which forms the core structure of glass when heated and cooled correctly, provided the sand is of high purity and rich in silica.
