steklo

Steklo, also known as glass, is a non-crystalline amorphous solid that is often transparent and has widespread practical, technological, and decorative usage in, for example, window panes, tableware, and optoelectronics. The most familiar type of glass is soda-lime glass, which is composed of about 75% silica (SiO2) and 13-15% soda (Na2O) and lime (CaO), with several minor additives. Glass is typically brittle and has a glass transition temperature in its amorphous state. It does not exhibit true crystalline order but exhibits short-range order.

Glass can be colored by adding metallic salts, and can also be formed into fiberglass, bottles, and optoelectronic and other high-tech applications. Glass is often used in windows due to its transparency and durability. It is also used in tableware, such as drinking glasses and dishes, due to its resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion.

The production of glass involves melting and processing raw materials, such as silica, soda, and lime, at high temperatures. The molten glass is then formed into the desired shape, such as a pane or bottle, and allowed to cool and solidify. Glass can be recycled, which reduces the need for raw materials and energy-intensive production processes.

Glass has been used by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of glassmaking dating back to around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. Throughout history, glass has been used for a wide range of purposes, from decorative objects to functional items, and continues to be an important material in modern society.