(Archive) From Stones to Glass

The rock, a local identity

At present, the methods of coloring glass are not sustainable.
They are not only toxic to use, but they cannot be recycled.
Indeed, after being tinted, it is impossible to make it become transparent glass again.
The objective was thus double. First, Salomé wanted to create a naturally colored glass. It was therefore necessary to find a material that served as a replacement for the dye in the glass. Secondly, this glass was to be local.

Initially, this research focused on the use of fruits or vegetables. Unfortunately, their use would have had an ecological impact due to their production. It was therefore decided to turn to natural resources located in the country.  Potash, wood, copper, sand, clay.  The decision was made to use Israeli stone as a resource and to study the components of the stones in order to find those that could be used to color the glass.

In order to accomplish these goals, the designer chose to use stones from different regions in Israel.
Israel has a multitude of stone varieties depending on the region. From the Negev desert to the Eilat desert, the choice is almost unlimited. Using local components is the basis of the ecological transition.

From Stones to Glass: nature embellishes

To get to these regions, travel was done on foot or by bus, in order to have the smallest possible carbon footprint.
Indeed, the collection of materials was also environmentally friendly.

Following the recovery of the stones, they were analyzed by a geologist to produce naturally colored glass.
After analysis, these stones are crushed with a machine to obtain a powder. This one has components that will be able to color the glass.
A range of colors was obtained such as green moldavite, turquoise blue, indicolite, amber-orange yellow tourmaline, and many others. All these colors represent the earth.

Then came the moment of creating the glass. In a container, silica, sodium bicarbonate, Dolomite and Borax are deposited to create a part of the glass, it is added the powder serves as a dye to the glass. An artisanal method was used to melt the glass. An artisanal method was used to melt the glass.

However, it is perfectly suitable for mold production which will be more sustainable for the environment due to the lower temperature.

Glass Stones : Characteristics

After two years of work, research, and effort, this glass is now available for jewelry or industrial production.
This glass has several characteristics.
First of all, it is resistant to up to 5 tons. In addition, it can withstand temperature changes without cracking.
Shaping, sharpening, cutting, or even drilling this glass is a more durable alternative to Haute-Joallerie. 
Between comfort and elegance, innovation and know-how, precision research on the beauty of the detail has been made.