Lime in glass – a vital component

Lime and limestone are essential components in glassmaking. When lime is heated with silica sand (SiO2) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), a solution is formed that does not crystallize when cooled. Instead, it hardens to an amorphous, clear and nearly colourless solid - namely, glass. A range of chemical limestone and lime product types are available for general applications and achieving various properties such as; flux capture, managing viscosity, improving durability and chemical resistance.

Lime in glass

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On compte trois types distincts de calcaire, qui sont définis en fonction de leur concentration en carbonate de magnésium (MgCO3). Ces types sont dolomitique (35 à 46% MgCO3), magnésien (5 à 35% MgCO3) et calcique (moins de 5% MgCO3).