Rust monsters theoretical inquiry

[Dorganath]

I believe that there is no discrete phase change in glass between solid and liquid forms.  As you heat glass, it becomes softer and less viscous and flows, but at no point does it actually melt/solidify.

Contrast this with things that have a definite liquid and solid form, such as water, where the change from a liquid to solid form (and vice versa) is pronounced, definite and sudden.

Glass, in my understanding, is a supercooled liquid.

[General_Ski]

Well, yes, water actually achieves crystallization in ice and thus behaves like crystallic entity. Glass does not.. It in some way is similar to cristalls, but it's structure is chaotic and irregular, while that of crystals follows a distinct, repeatable pattern.

[Dorganath]

Silicon Dioxide in crystaline form is known as quartz.

Silicon Dioxide in granular form is known as sand.

Silicon Dioxide in an amorphous form is known as glass.

Glass also usually has impurities in it to such a degree that it can make it nearly impossible for a crystaline structure to form.

Side note:  Besides its easily manipulated electrical properties, another key reason why silicon is such a great material for making computer chips, transistors, etc. is that in the presence of heat and oxygen, it can literally grow its own insulating material.

Side, side note: Holy Hijack, Batman!!!!