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Dichroic Glass Beads Explained

Dichroic glass beads also called melting glass beads, are very beautiful and add a special touch when incorporated into beading projects. They are different from any other type of account and give a special touch to your projects. Although it is not necessary to understand how  dichroic glass beads are made, it is an interesting process that I will explain below.

First of all, dichroic is pronounced die-crow-ick. The process by which these pearls are made is very expensive and complex, requiring specialized high-tech equipment. These beads will cost more than other types of glass beads, but due to their unique beauty, they may be worth it for you.

The manufacturing process begins with a glass bead as the base, which can be a transparent or colored glass material. This glass bead is brought to a very high temperature in a vacuum oven. Metal oxides such as gold, chromium, titanium, dichroic coating, magnesium, and aluminum vaporize in a mist which is then deposited on the glass bead substrate in a vacuum chamber. Depending on the desired effect, many layers of vaporized metallic mist can be applied to the glass. Then a protective layer of quartz crystal glass is applied.

Since the exact way in which the various metal vapors fall onto the glass substrate is quite unpredictable, there is a natural variation in the pearls which, of course, increases their uniqueness and value. Dichroic beads have an element of color and multi-dimensional variation, as they will look different in color depending on the angle you look at them. This is similar to the changing and moving colors of a soap bubble as it moves and rotates.

Although stained glass can be used as a base, the manufacturing process does not involve adding any color to the glass in the form of paint, dyes, coloring agents, etc. The appearance of the color is simply how the metallic coatings affect and reflect the pitch. Light like a rainbow is produced by passing light through the atmosphere when conditions are right.