Quick Answer: A set of 9 labelled glass samples in different colours, tints and finishes, used to teach glass as an amorphous (non-crystalline) material and to contrast it with the crystalline minerals studied elsewhere in an earth science unit.
Product Description
The Collection of 9 Glass gives students real glass samples to examine transparency, colour and surface finish side by side. Glass is a useful counterpoint in a rocks and minerals unit: unlike crystalline minerals, whose atoms are arranged in a repeating lattice, glass is an amorphous solid with no long-range atomic order, which is part of why it fractures with curved, shell-like (conchoidal) breaks rather than along flat cleavage planes.
The nine specimens typically span variety in colour, tint and surface treatment — from clear to coloured to frosted or textured glass — so students can compare how composition and processing affect appearance and light transmission.
Because glass appears throughout daily life, from windows to containers to laboratory equipment, this set also supports discussion of why particular glass types are chosen for particular jobs, linking materials science back to familiar objects.
Specimen Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Glass specimen collection |
| Set Size | 9 labelled glass samples |
| Specimen Form | Small glass pieces with finished edges |
| Coverage | Variety of colours, tints and surface finishes (e.g. clear, coloured, frosted) |
| Storage | Padded, compartmented tray recommended given the fragile material |
| Recommended Level | Secondary school materials science, physics (optics), chemistry |
Applications
- Comparing transparency, tint and surface finish across glass samples
- Contrasting amorphous glass structure with the crystalline structure of minerals
- Physics lessons on light transmission and how surface finish affects clarity
- Chemistry lessons on glass composition and manufacturing
- Materials science units comparing glass with wood, plastic and other everyday materials
Care & Handling
- Handle with care at all times — glass specimens are fragile and edges can be sharp
- Supervise younger students closely during handling and demonstrations
- Store in a padded, compartmented tray away from table edges
- If a specimen breaks, do not pick up fragments with bare hands; sweep or use a dustpan and dispose of safely
- Keep away from other hard specimens (rocks, metals) in storage to avoid chipping
Why Choose LabEquip
This glass set is part of LabEquip’s Educational Rock and Minerals range, giving schools a direct amorphous-vs-crystalline comparison alongside real mineral specimens. It pairs well with the Collection of 12 Woods for a broader materials science unit, and with our Physics Lab Equipment range where light transmission and optics are covered in more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Collection of 9 Glass?
The set contains 9 individually labelled glass samples in a range of colours, tints and surface finishes, supplied in a compartmented tray, chosen to illustrate variety in appearance and light transmission.
Why is glass useful to study alongside rocks and minerals?
Glass is an amorphous solid with no repeating atomic structure, unlike crystalline minerals. Comparing the two helps students understand how internal structure affects properties such as fracture pattern and clarity.
Is this glass collection safe for classroom use?
The samples are supplied with finished edges for classroom handling, but glass remains fragile. Supervision is recommended, especially with younger students, and broken fragments should never be picked up by hand.
What subjects is this set suited for?
It supports secondary school materials science, physics (optics and light transmission) and chemistry lessons on glass composition and structure.
How should the glass specimens be stored?
Store them in a padded, compartmented tray away from table edges and separate from harder specimens such as rocks or metals to prevent chipping.
Does LabEquip offer other materials sets to pair with this one?
Yes. The Collection of 12 Woods is a natural companion for a broader natural-vs-manufactured materials unit, and our Physics Lab Equipment range covers optics topics in more depth.
Last Updated: September 2026
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