Vitrite
Vitrite is a very low fusing point black glass mainly used for the insulation base of electric lamps. It used to be made by the Vitrite Company.[1] Vitrite can be called foam glass because the mineral from which it is obtained is a spongy mass varying in colour from white to black depending on impurities.[2]
Process[]
To make the electric lamp, molten vitrite is poured into the shell up to a height of approximately a quarter inch (6 millimeters). A plunger is brought down to force the plastic glass into shape and fix the contacts.
Composition[]
Vitrite is referred to as glass but in fact it is an enamel which contains a high proportion of lead (II) oxide to give fluidity, and considerable quantities of manganese oxide to produce a black colour.
References[]
- ^ "'Vitrite' holders for incandescence lamps", Electrical Review, vol. 16, no. 378, p. 165, 21 February 1885.
- ^ Official Journal of the European Communities: Information and notices, vol. 41, Issues 287-291, p. 173, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 1998
Categories:
- Light fixtures
- Glass compositions
- Glass trademarks and brands
- Glass stubs