色・発色
metal oxide
Japanese: 酸化金属
A state in which a metal combines with oxygen. The coloring of glass occurs when a metal is converted into an oxide.
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Metal oxides are the primary components of colorants that impart color to glass. By adding trace amounts of metal oxides to glass raw materials, a variety of colors can be achieved, such as cobalt (blue), chromium (green), iron (green to brown), manganese (purple to brown), and copper (blue-green to red). The resulting color varies not only with the amount added but also with the firing atmosphere (oxidizing or reducing) and the composition of the glass.
When multiple metal oxides coexist, interactions (reaction lines) may occur. For example, when glass containing silver is placed adjacent to cobalt glass, a distinctive reaction color appears at the boundary. An advanced technique known as “alchemy” (an alchemical method) intentionally utilizes this chemical reaction.
Related Concepts
Please refer to the individual metal oxides, such as cobalt, chromium, iron oxide, manganese, cadmium-selenium, and neodymium.
This entry is written in Japanese by Rei Chikaoka and translated for readers outside Japan. If something reads oddly, the original is the source of truth.