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Is All Glass Made from Sand?

Sand plays an essential role in making glass, but have you ever considered whether all types of glass come from sand? All glass types contain a form of sand, but glass is never made 100% out of sand. While it is the primary ingredient, other materials are also essential.

Silica sand is the main component in traditional glass making, but several other ingredients such as soda ash and limestone are also needed to create durable glass. The materials mixed with silica vary depending on the desired characteristics of the glass.

Four glass containers sitting in small hills of sand, all staggered from one anotherFour glass containers sitting in small hills of sand, all staggered from one another

Silica Sand, the Primary Ingredient of Glass

Silica sand, also known as industrial sand, is an important component needed in the production of clear glass. Silica sand is composed of silicon dioxide, which is a mixture of silica and oxygen. When heated, silica absorbs and spreads heat evenly in its mixture. This helps create a strong bond between the other ingredients. The silica content also contributes to the glass’s strength, transparency, and hardness.

To be suitable for glass production, there must be over 95% of silica in the sand. Because of this, “normal” sand from the beach or a sandbag typically does not meet the standards to create quality glass.

Types of Glass & Their Composition

Glass is a versatile material that can be molded and used for many different applications. Each type features unique compositions and properties that affect the color, strength, and durability.

If you’re wondering how silica sand is used to make glass, it is important to consider the different types of glasses there are. Four common types of glass include soda lime glass, lead glass, borosilicate glass, and flint glass.

Soda Lime Glass

Soda lime glass is the most common type of glass and consists of three main components: silica (silicon dioxide), soda (sodium oxide), and lime (calcium oxide). It is often used for window panes and glass containers for beverages and food.

Silica makes up about 70% of the glass. Soda makes up about 15% of the glass and helps lower the temperature that silica melts at, making it easier to shape and mold. Lime makes up about 10% of the glass. It helps stabilize the silica, which improves the glass's durability. In addition, a variety of much smaller components are also used to make up soda lime glass.

A pile of soda lime glass panes stacked on top of each other A pile of soda lime glass panes stacked on top of each other

Lead Glass

Lead glass, often referred to as crystal glass, is a type of glass that contains 18-38% lead oxide. Due to this, it gives off a more reflective appearance than traditional glass.

Other components in lead glass include 54-65% silica and 13-15% soda. It is most commonly used in fine glassware and decorative items.

 

Two decorative lead drinking glasses filled with dark liquidTwo decorative lead drinking glasses filled with dark liquid

Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that contains silica and boron trioxide as its main components. This type of glass is unique because it has low thermal expansion. This means it is less likely to crack when temperatures change quickly, unlike other glasses.

Silica makes up 70-80% of the glass, while 15% is made up of boron trioxide. This gives the glass its thermal shock resistance characteristic. Borosilicate glass can withstand temperatures up to 340°F (170°C). Because of this, borosilicate glass is often used to make labware and cookware.

Three borosilicate glass labware flasks filled with blue liquidThree borosilicate glass labware flasks filled with blue liquid

Flint Glass

The composition of flint glass can vary, but the main components include 12-20% silica, 10-24% barium oxide, 5-20% zinc oxide, and 6.5-25% titanium dioxide. Many other small components are also used in the production of the glass.

Flint glass is used for food and beverage containers due to its brilliance, clarity, and reflective qualities. It’s also a good option for hot fill products as it has a high melting point, though it may need to be preheated to reduce any thermal shock. Flint glass is well known for being highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it a desirable choice when looking for long-lasting products.

An empty flint glass mayo jarAn empty flint glass mayo jar

Check Out Our Collection of Glass Containers

Now that you’re an expert on how sand makes glass, shop our wide selection of wholesale glass containers and find the best fit for your business needs. Whether you need bottles or jars, The Cary Company has the right product for you.

Have any questions? Contact one of our product specialists available to answer any questions and recommend products for you. – Call us at 630.629.6600 or email us at sales@thecarycompany.com!

SHOP ALL GLASS CONTAINERS

  1. 0.15 oz. Clear Glass Straight Sided Jar, 38mm 38-405

    0.15 oz. Clear Glass Straight Sided Jar, 38mm 38-405 (Case Pack)

    Part #: 30W5HP
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 2,592 $0.75 ea.
    • 6,912 $0.70 ea.
    • 14,256 $0.65 ea.
    • 28,512 $0.63 ea.
  2. 0.5 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 18mm 18-400

    1/2 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 18mm 18-400

    Part #: 30WGF0
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 180 $0.26 ea.
    • 2,160 $0.23 ea.
    • 4,320 $0.20 ea.
    • 10,260 $0.18 ea.
  3. 16.9 oz. (500 ml) Amber Glass Sparkling Beer Bottles, Crown Pry-Off & Cork, 26-3150, 12/cs

    16.9 oz. (500 ml) Amber Glass Sparkling Beer Bottles, Pry-Off Crown, 26-3150, 12/cs

    Part #: 30WASL
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 12 $1.53 ea.
    • 120 $1.37 ea.
    • 384 $1.21 ea.
    • 768 $1.07 ea.
    • 2,304 $1.01 ea.
  4. 4 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 22mm 22-400

    4 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 22mm 22-400

    Part #: 30WBR4
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 128 $0.46 ea.
    • 1,024 $0.42 ea.
    • 3,456 $0.39 ea.
    • 9,216 $0.35 ea.
    • 18,432 $0.30 ea.
  5. 12 oz. (355 ml) Amber Glass Stubby Beer Bottles, Pry-Off Crown, 26-611 (Bulk Pack)

    12 oz. (355 ml) Amber Glass Stubby Beer Bottles, Pry-Off Crown, 26-611 (Bulk Pack)

    Part #: 30WSTB
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 2,160 $0.39 ea.
    • 4,320 $0.36 ea.
    • 8,640 $0.35 ea.
    • 12,960 $0.34 ea.
  6. 8 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 28mm 28-400

    8 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 28mm 28-400

    Part #: 30WA08
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 48 $0.85 ea.
    • 192 $0.78 ea.
    • 960 $0.72 ea.
    • 2,352 $0.68 ea.
    • 9,408 $0.63 ea.
  7. 750 ml Antique Green Bordeaux Wine Bottles, Punted Bottom, Cork

    750 ml Antique Green Bordeaux Wine Bottles, Punted Bottom, Cork

    Part #: 30W65A
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 12 $2.02 ea.
    • 96 $1.62 ea.
    • 672 $1.37 ea.
    • 1,344 $1.17 ea.
    • 2,688 $1.05 ea.
  8. 750 ml Clear Bordeaux Wine Bottles, Punted Bottom, Cork

    750 ml Clear Bordeaux Wine Bottles, Punted Bottom, Cork

    Part #: 30W65F
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 12 $1.55 ea.
    • 336 $1.32 ea.
    • 672 $1.13 ea.
    • 1,344 $1.00 ea.
    • 2,688 $0.97 ea.
  9. 2 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 20mm 20-400

    2 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 20mm 20-400

    Part #: 30WABR
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 240 $0.33 ea.
    • 960 $0.25 ea.
    • 2,400 $0.22 ea.
    • 4,800 $0.21 ea.
    • 15,120 $0.20 ea.
  10. 1 oz. Boston Round Bottle, Clear Glass, 20mm 20-400

    1 oz. Boston Round Bottle, Clear Glass, 20mm 20-400

    Part #: 30W1BR
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 120 $0.31 ea.
    • 1,080 $0.29 ea.
    • 2,160 $0.25 ea.
    • 5,040 $0.22 ea.
    • 14,400 $0.20 ea.
  11. 2 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 20mm 20-400

    2 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 20mm 20-400

    Part #: 30WBR2
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 240 $0.33 ea.
    • 960 $0.30 ea.
    • 2,400 $0.27 ea.
    • 5,040 $0.25 ea.
    • 15,120 $0.24 ea.
  12. 12 oz. (355 ml) Amber Glass Stubby Beer Bottles, Pry-Off Crown, 26-611, case pack

    12 oz. (355 ml) Amber Glass Stubby Beer Bottles, Pry-Off Crown, 26-611, 24/cs

    Part #: 30WSTC
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 24 $0.88 ea.
    • 240 $0.71 ea.
    • 672 $0.65 ea.
    • 1,344 $0.60 ea.
  13. 1 oz. Boston Round Bottles, Amber Glass, 20mm 20-400

    1 oz. Boston Round Bottle, Amber Glass, 20mm 20-400

    Part #: 30WA01
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 120 $0.31 ea.
    • 1,080 $0.26 ea.
    • 2,160 $0.24 ea.
    • 5,040 $0.22 ea.
    • 10,080 $0.21 ea.
  14. 4 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 22mm 22-400

    4 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 22mm 22-400

    Part #: 30WA04
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 128 $0.49 ea.
    • 512 $0.44 ea.
    • 1,024 $0.41 ea.
    • 3,456 $0.40 ea.
    • 9,216 $0.35 ea.
  15. 1 oz. Boston Round Bottles, Cobalt Blue Glass, 20mm 20-400

    1 oz. Boston Round Bottles, Cobalt Blue Glass, 20mm 20-400

    Part #: 30WU01
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 360 $0.52 ea.
    • 720 $0.46 ea.
    • 3,600 $0.40 ea.
    • 10,080 $0.34 ea.
  16. 8 oz. Straight Sided Glass Jar, 70mm 70-400

    8 oz. Straight Sided Glass Jar, 70mm 70-400, 24/cs

    Part #: 30W870
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 24 $1.12 ea.
    • 432 $1.04 ea.
    • 1,008 $0.98 ea.
    • 3,888 $0.90 ea.
    • 11,664 $0.79 ea.
  17. 1/2 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 18mm 18-400

    1/2 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 18mm 18-400

    Part #: 30WBR5
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 180 $0.26 ea.
    • 2,160 $0.24 ea.
    • 4,320 $0.20 ea.
    • 10,260 $0.18 ea.
    • 21,600 $0.16 ea.
  18. 8 oz. Cobalt Blue Boston Round Glass Bottle, 28mm 28-400

    8 oz. Cobalt Blue Boston Round Glass Bottle, 28mm 28-400

    Part #: 30WU08
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 108 $0.97 ea.
    • 324 $0.89 ea.
    • 1,080 $0.83 ea.
    • 4,536 $0.78 ea.
    • 9,072 $0.73 ea.
  19. 4 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 24mm 24-400

    4 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 24mm 24-400

    Part #: 30W4BR
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 128 $0.83 ea.
    • 512 $0.71 ea.
    • 1,024 $0.66 ea.
    • 5,120 $0.56 ea.
    • 10,240 $0.48 ea.
  20. 187 ml Clear Champagne Bottles, Pry-Off Crown, 26-609

    187 ml Clear Champagne Bottles, Pry-Off Crown, 26-609

    Part #: 30W187
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 24 $1.34 ea.
    • 96 $1.07 ea.
    • 1,560 $0.91 ea.
    • 3,240 $0.78 ea.
    • 6,480 $0.70 ea.
  21. 750 ml Champagne Green Bordeaux Wine Bottles, Cork, 12/cs

    750 ml Champagne Green Bordeaux Wine Bottles, Cork, 12/cs

    Part #: 30WW5C
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 12 $1.68 ea.
    • 96 $1.34 ea.
    • 672 $1.14 ea.
    • 1,344 $0.97 ea.
    • 2,688 $0.87 ea.
  22. 5 oz. Glass "Woozy" Hot Sauce Bottle, 24mm 24-490, full box

    5 oz. Glass "Woozy" Hot Sauce Bottle, 24mm 24-490

    Part #: 30W5WZ
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 12 $0.61 ea.
    • 576 $0.54 ea.
    • 1,152 $0.52 ea.
    • 2,880 $0.45 ea.
    • 5,760 $0.42 ea.
  23. 1.5 L Antique Green Bordeaux Wine Bottles, Punted, Cork

    1.5 L Antique Green Bordeaux Wine Bottles, Punted, Cork

    Part #: 30WD1A
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 6 $4.09 ea.
    • 96 $3.26 ea.
    • 324 $2.77 ea.
    • 648 $2.38 ea.
    • 1,296 $2.12 ea.
  24. 0.5 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 18mm 18-400 Black Child Resistant Dropper

    1/2 oz. Clear Boston Round Glass Bottle, 18mm 18-400 Black Child Resistant Dropper

    Part #: 99G252
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.48
    • 2,160 $0.42
    • 4,320 $0.36
    • 10,260 $0.34
  25. 1/2 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 18mm 18-400 Black Child Resistant Dropper

    1/2 oz. Amber Boston Round Glass Bottle, 18mm 18-400 Black Child Resistant Dropper

    Part #: 99G247
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.48
    • 2,160 $0.43
    • 4,320 $0.36
    • 10,260 $0.34
    • 21,600 $0.32
  26. 16 oz. Glass Wide Mouth AC Jar, 70mm 70-405

    16 oz. Glass Wide Mouth AC Jar, 70mm 70-405

    Part #: 30W6CA
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 480 $3.24 ea.
    • 2,016 $3.13 ea.
    • 4,032 $3.02 ea.
    • 8,064 $2.93 ea.
  27. 1.25 oz. Clear Glass Jelly Jar, 43mm 43-2010

    1.25 oz. Clear Glass Jelly Jar, 43mm 43-2010

    Part #: 30WJ14
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 2,240 $0.26 ea.
    • 5,760 $0.24 ea.
    • 11,520 $0.23 ea.
    • 23,040 $0.21 ea.
  28. 50ml Clear Glass Arizona Liquor Bottle, 18mm Screw Top, 120/cs

    50ml Clear Glass Arizona Liquor Bottle, 18mm Screw Top, 120/cs

    Part #: 30B50A
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $128.46 case
    • 5 $119.94 case
    • 10 $111.40 case
    • 39 $102.05 case
    • 78 $98.95 case
  29. 0.75 oz. Clear Glass Jelly Jar, 43mm 43-2010

    0.75 oz. Glass Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 30WJ75
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 3,072 $0.43 ea.
    • 7,680 $0.39 ea.
    • 14,976 $0.37 ea.
    • 34,560 $0.35 ea.
  30. 750 ml Clear Glass California Liquor Bottle, Bar Top

    750 ml Clear Glass California Liquor Bottle, Bar Top

    Part #: 30WCAL
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 12 $2.20 ea.
    • 144 $1.82 ea.
    • 1,080 $1.60 ea.
    • 2,160 $1.54 ea.
  31. 0.25 oz. Clear Glass Jelly Jar, 38mm 38-2000

    0.25 oz. Glass Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 30WJ25
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1,920 $0.55 ea.
    • 3,840 $0.51 ea.
    • 9,600 $0.48 ea.
    • 26,880 $0.45 ea.
  32. 750 ml Clear Glass Arizona Liquor Bottle, Bar Top

    750 ml Clear Glass Arizona Liquor Bottle, Bar Top, 12/cs

    Part #: 30WAZL
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 12 $2.65 ea.
    • 144 $2.45 ea.
    • 1,008 $2.12 ea.
    • 2,016 $2.05 ea.
  33. 4.7 oz. Glass Round Jar, Snap Top Finish

    4.7 oz. Glass Round Jar, Snap Top Finish, 48/cs

    Part #: 30W05D
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 48 $1.09 ea.
    • 240 $1.00 ea.
    • 1,008 $0.96 ea.
    • 3,600 $0.92 ea.
    • 7,200 $0.86 ea.
  34. 750 ml Clear Glass St. Louis Liquor Bottle, Bar Top, 12/cs

    750 ml Clear Glass St. Louis Liquor Bottle, Bar Top, 12/cs

    Part #: 30BSTL
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $41.66 case
    • 5 $39.52 case
    • 15 $37.65 case
    • 90 $36.09 case
  35. 4.7 oz. Glass Round Jar, Snap Top Finish (Bulk Pack)

    4.7 oz. Glass Round Jar, Snap Top Finish (Bulk Pack)

    Part #: 30B5MB
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 5,194 $0.52 ea.
    • 10,388 $0.49 ea.
    • 20,776 $0.45 ea.
  36. 750 ml Clear Glass New Yorker Liquor Bottle, Bar Top, 12/cs

    750 ml Clear Glass New Yorker Liquor Bottle, Bar Top, 12/cs

    Part #: 30BNYB
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $69.27 case
    • 5 $64.07 case
    • 15 $55.42 case
    • 75 $47.34 case
  37. 12 oz. (355 ml) Amber Glass Stubby Beer Bottles, Twist Off Neck

    12 oz. (355 ml) Amber Glass Stubby Beer Bottles, Twist Off Neck, 26-611, 24/cs

    Part #: 30WSTD
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 24 $0.86 ea.
    • 240 $0.70 ea.
    • 672 $0.64 ea.
    • 1,344 $0.58 ea.
  38. 50ml Clear Glass Nashville Liquor Bottle, 18mm Screw Top, front view

    50ml Clear Glass Nashville Liquor Bottle, 18mm Screw Top, 77/cs

    Part #: 30BNAH
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $88.76 case
    • 5 $80.65 case
    • 10 $71.83 case
    • 36 $59.31 case
    • 72 $51.96 case
  39. 10 oz. Clear Glass Decanter Bottle, 38mm 38-2000

    10 oz. Clear Glass Decanter Bottle, 38mm 38-2000

    Part #: 30W110
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 2,508 $0.33 ea.
    • 7,524 $0.29 ea.
  40. 3.38 oz. Glass Spice Jar, 41mm

    3.38 oz. Glass Spice Jar, 41mm

    Part #: 30WSH8
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 4,800 $0.38 ea.
    • 9,600 $0.33 ea.
    • 19,200 $0.25 ea.

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