Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which metallic oxides produce ruby red, blue, purple, yellow, and green glass?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
stained glass
The stained-glass rose window in the north transept of Chartres Cathedral, France.
In the context of stained glass production, various metallic oxides and elements are used to achieve specific colors. While the term "metallic oxides" is often used broadly, the following substances are traditionally associated with these colors in glassmaking:
- Ruby Red: Produced using copper or gold chloride.123
- Blue: Produced using [cobalt].1
- Purple: Produced using [manganese].1
- Yellow: Produced using [antimony].1
- Green: Produced using iron.1
It is important to note that the specific color achieved can depend on the glass mixture and the chemical state of the additives. For instance, while iron is commonly cited for green in stained glass contexts, ferrous oxide can produce either olive green or pale blue depending on the mixture. Similarly, copper can produce a peacock blue that shifts to green if the proportion of the oxide is increased.41