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How are metallic oxides used to create colours in stained glass?
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stained glass
The stained-glass rose window in the north transept of Chartres Cathedral, France.
In the production of stained glass, metallic oxides are added to the glass while it is in a molten state to achieve specific colours. The resulting hue depends on the type of metal used and the specific glass mixture.123
Common metallic oxides and their associated colours include:
- Copper: Produces ruby or peacock blue, with green tones appearing if the proportion of oxide is increased.31
- Cobalt: Creates a distinct purple-blue.31
- Manganese: Results in a violet or purple colour.31
- Iron: Used to produce green or, in the case of ferrous oxide, olive green or pale blue.31
- Antimony: Often used to achieve yellow tones.1
- Chromium: Produces chrome green or yellow.3
Because the glass is intrinsically coloured throughout during this molten stage, stained-glass artists traditionally create complex designs by assembling separate pieces of different coloured glass. While the same oxide can produce varying results depending on the base mixture, these metallic additives remain the fundamental agents for colouring glass used in decorative windows.132