Quartz is a hard mineral found in many types of rocks. Pure quartz, traditionally called rock crystal, is colorless and transparent. As quartz crystals or rocks made from quartz break down, they form silica sand. Quartz crystals and silica sand have very high melting points, and safety precautions must be taken when melting the mineral at home. When exposed to extreme heat, the quartz or silica sand creates molten glass, which can then be reshaped before it re-hardens.
Arrange the quartz crystal or silica sand that you would like to melt on a fireproof surface, such as cement or brick.
Put on the safety goggles and leather gloves. The goggles will protect your eyes from the intense light, and the leather gloves will prevent your hands from getting burned.
Use a lighter to light the torch. Turn the flame to the highest setting and the flame to the quartz, moving it back and forth as necessary to reach the edges. Continue to heat the quartz until it melts, at which point it will look like molten glass.
Repurpose the quartz by using small carbon rods to manipulate the melted quartz into your desired shape. Allow the quartz to cool and you will now have a glass object.
Things You'll Need:
- Propane torch
- Lighter
- Safety goggles
- Leather gloves
- Cement or brick surface
- Carbon rods
Tip
You can purchase carbon rods from a glassmaking supply company. The other materials can be found at your local hardware store.
References
Tips
- You can purchase carbon rods from a glassmaking supply company. The other materials can be found at your local hardware store.
Writer Bio
Fiona Todd has been a writer since 2001. With work appearing in a range of media outlets, including "The Seattle Times" and "Static Magazine," she enjoys sharing her expertise in real estate, pets, gardening and travel. Todd holds an associate degree in communications from the University of Phoenix, and a real estate brokers license in Washington State.
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