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Dichroic Glass: Possibly the Most Stunning Architectural Glass Around

Q: What is dichroic glass?

Dichroic glass is a type of specialty glass that has been manufactured to exhibit a variety of different colors depending on the angle and intensity of light.

Q: How is dichroic glass made?

Dichroic glass is made by applying thin layers of metal oxides to the glass, which results in its unique color-shifting effects.

From art installations to custom glass countertops, many projects incorporating dichroic glass can be seen in either the commercial or residential sphere. Whatever the setting, it is always stunning, interactive, and perpetually changing. But what is it? How did it start; how do you make it; and what do architects, designers, and artists need to know about it?

What Is Dichroic Glass? A Definition

Dichroic glass is a type of manufactured glass designed to change colors under different lighting conditions and viewing angles. The word dichroic comes from two Greek roots: “di” meaning two and “chroma” meaning colors. The name refers to the way in which the glass can shift colors, displaying multiple hues depending on your angle of viewing and ambient lighting conditions

A white bust reflecting in a piece of blue dichroic glass.

History of Dichroic Glass

Dichroic glass dates back as far as the fourth century AD. This ancient color-changing glass has very few surviving examples, and what does persist are mainly just fragments. By far, the most famous and well-preserved example from this era is known as the Lycurgus cup. When backlit, the cup appears a deep red; when lit from the front, it has a green hue.

Dichroic glass was also manufactured and used during the Renaissance in Venice, but these pieces are rare as well.

In the more modern era, dichroic glass as we know it today came directly from research conducted by NASA and its numerous contractors. The solution was called chameleon glass, and it was intended to protect astronauts from the negative effects and harsh glare of unfiltered sunlight. Used in dichroic filters, this coated glass also acted as a shield against cosmic radiation.

After the invention of dichroic glass for this specific purpose, it wasn’t long before the beautiful, captivating, visually interactive glass caught the eye of various artists.

The first was an aerospace engineer who worked for a NASA contractor throughout the 1960s. By 1971, he left that industry to pursue artistic endeavors. A pioneer in the creative applications of dichroic glass, he created everything from stained-glass windows to mobiles.

Dichroic glass became increasingly popular with artists, and more and more decorative architectural glass manufacturers began commercially producing the product.

A bust reflecting on a piece of dichroic glass on the ground.

How Is Dichroic Glass Made?

Creating dichroic glass is accomplished in one of two ways.

The first involves a laminated glass sheet, which incorporates color-changing film. This is the easiest and most straightforward method. Many glass manufacturers have the machinery and know-how to accomplish this method.

The second method, however, creates a monolithic solid glass sheet. This is not laminated, and it requires the use of intricate, costly machinery. It can only be accomplished by glass manufacturers with access to a metal deposition chamber.

In this second manufacturing process, an electron beam in the vacuum chamber vaporizes various transparent oxides of metals, including titanium, chromium, aluminum, and others. The resulting vapor condenses on the glass substrate in a crystalline structure.

This results in extremely thin layers of metal on each piece of the finished glass. How thin? Anywhere from thirty to fifty layers can be present in any piece of dichroic glass sheets, but the entire coating is only about 30 to 35 millionths of an inch.

From Glass Architecture to Art: Various Modern-Day Applications

Dichroic glass is used in three main ways today:

Optics: Dichroic glass makes an appearance in a multitude of optical filters.
Artistic projects: From larger-than-life sculptures to individual pieces of jewelry, dichroic glass shows up in many artistic endeavors.
Architecture: Incorporated into interior walls, exterior walls, countertops, or shelving, dichroic glass can be used in many different kinds of architectural glass. It appears in both residential and commercial projects. Doppler, home to Amazon’s Seattle headquarters, is just one notable example of a building façade incorporating this unique type of glass.

No matter where you see it, dichroic glass is sure to captivate. Its incredible ability to change color when exposed to different light sources is what makes it so remarkable. The vibrant, saturated hues that give this material its depth are the result of a complex manufacturing process and one-of-a-kind vision--a true testament to human ingenuity. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself mesmerized by this magical material the next time you come across it; after all, it has been charming us for centuries. Whether in an intricate dichroic glass sculpture or a stunning window panel, its beauty will never cease to amaze and delight.

That said, getting your hands on high-quality dichroic glass is easier said than done. Look for glass manufacturers that offer a wide range of shapes, sizes, and color options so you can create the perfect piece for your project. With a little bit of research and planning, you can bring your vision to life with dichroic glass art!

Interested in Using Dichroic Glass in Your Next Project?

Whether you’re an architect, a designer, an artist, or a private homeowner, the opportunities with dichroic glass are nearly unlimited.

If you have any questions about its manufacturing, applications, or possibilities, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re TCG Glass, a custom glass manufacturing company that specializes in architectural glass products. We’re always happy to answer questions, provide insight, or send samples.