Container glass, used to produce bottles and jars, is made from a specific mixture of sand, soda ash, limestone and other additives.

Limestone for glass-making must be of a very high purity and contain <0.035% iron oxide.

Iron is a serious impurity that can adversely affect the colour of the glass. At Longcliffe, our high-purity limestone is suitable for the glass industry and contains extremely low levels of metal contaminants.


Float glass

The majority of flat glass is used in the production of high-quality glazing for homes, commercial and public buildings, vehicles, and horticultural applications.

It is similar in composition to container glass except that it contains a higher proportion of magnesium oxide. Consequently, most lime is introduced using dolomite and a smaller proportion of limestone is used to balance the calcium/magnesium ratio.
 

Ceramics

Calcium carbonate has traditionally been a source of calcium oxide in raw glazes and it can also be used in low-fire bodies to reduce fired shrinkage. It is also common to see calcium carbonate included in porous earthenware body recipes to prevent moisture expansion which otherwise causes glazes to craze.

The limestone grades available from Longcliffe are suitable for all glass and ceramics applications. Browse our product list or contact our sales team for further information.