Definition of Dichroic Glass

Dichromatic glass is commonly known as dichroic glass. It was first developed by NASA to use on their space suits. It is now widely used by glass artists. Dichroic is a favorite added glass that lamp workers use in making glass beads and pendants. It is also a favorite with glass blowers.

Multiple Layers

Dichroic glass is made of multiple layers of metaloxides, which are types of metals.

First Layer

The first layer is known as the transmitted color. This color is what you see when you look through the coating of the glass. This is usually the main color.

Colors

The other color or colors are the reflected colors. Dichroic glass comes in one to two colors, or it can have multiple colors.

Dichroic COE

Dichroic glass is made in different COEs (104, 90 and 33). This is the degree to which the material expands and contracts at a fixed range of temperature. When applying dichroic glass to your project, you need to use all the same COEs.

Backgrounds

Dichroic glass will come on a background of black or clear. An artist can choose which background to use depending on the effect the artist is trying to achieve.

Resources

• Dichroic Glass