Overview

Glass is an inorganic solid substance. It is usually translucent, hard, and resists natural elements. While glass occurs naturally, it is one of the most important and oldest manufactured materials in the world. Civilization could not exist as it does today without glass. Glass has important uses in science, industry, work, home, play, and art. A world without glass is virtually inconceivable. In ancient times, glass was used in practical and decorative objects, from which its role in society has evolved into the important status it holds today. Glass is currently used in such diverse applications as housewares, clothing, building construction, and telecommunications.

There is much debate regarding the origin of manmade glass, and the exact date it was first manufactured cannot be accurately assessed. Early man used natural glass, such as obsidian...