Fusing glass — in other words, getting it so hot it melts together — is an art form with a long tradition. In my studio, I use art glass specifically designed for kiln fusing. Many of the “special effects” are created through the use of dichroic glass. It’s visually beautiful, mesmerizing, and depending upon the angle you look at it, you see a different color.
But what on Earth is it?
Dichroic glass is the result of placing a 
multi-layered coating on glass using a highly technical vacuum deposition process. Quartz crystal and metal oxides are vaporized (zap!) with an electron beam gun in an airless vacuum chamber. The substance then floats upward and first attaches and then settles on the surface of the glass in the form of a crystal structure. The glass has many layers of these materials, yet the thickness of the total coating is very, very thin. The coating that is created is very similar to some gemstones, and careful control of the thickness creates different colors.
The main characteristic of dichroic glass is that it has a transmitted color and a completely different reflective color (di=two, chroic = colors, dichroic = two colors!). Light passing through dichroic glass transmits one color, while light bouncing off dichroic reflects another color. And to make it even more amazing, these two colors shift depending upon the angle they’re viewed at.
When you combine the play of light with the vibrant colors of dichroic glass, the visual beauty will delight you. Pictured below are an assortment of dichroic items. I’m sure you’ll agree that all ways are beautiful!
Stay tuned for more Glass posts in this series. Etsy has so much to offer shoppers — it’s like a whole universe! In this Facts and Fancies series, we’ll take you on a tour through Etsy’s Categories. As we visit these “planets” one by one, we’ll talk to sellers and experts and find some of extraordinary items on Etsy. (We’ll also get some great insider tips along the way.) While you’re at it, you might want to watch this Process video with zulasurfing…
Further Resources:
Learn about more of Etsy’s Categories with our Facts and Fancies Reviews.
Visit the Glass Category and View Sponsored Glass Items.
Check out more posts in our Facts and Fancies series, where we take you on a tour through Etsy’s Categories. As we visit these “planets” one by one, we’ll talk to sellers and experts and find some of extraordinary items on Etsy. (We’ll also get some great insider tips along the way.)
Give a shout out in the comments if you’re mesmerized by dichroic glass!
125 comments
Sign in to add your ownBelleMereBelleFille says:
My grandfather also worked for the aerospace industry and this article brought back some wonderful memories of him and his 'rubies' that were actually used for the dashboard of a space mission. Beautiful glass! Nice article.
2 years ago
Vanessa says:
Belle, do you have any photos from your grandfather's dichroic interests - whether while in the aerospace industry or from his home? I was trying to find a photo to illustrate that but couldn't find anything good on the web.
2 years ago
gloilocksandbody says:
Oh, fascinating! Beautiful glass, and that little frog is adorable!
2 years ago
FancifulForm says:
Ok, that frog is adorable.
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
It's fascinating! I have a bracelet with this glass and now I understand how it came to be.
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
The glass looks magical~ makes me want to take a glass class!!
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
Holy COW those pieces are amazing!!
2 years ago
younghairlove says:
WOW, WOW, JUST AMAZING, REMINDED ME OF A SHELL
2 years ago
missindie says:
gorgeous pieces!! how cool! :]
2 years ago
younghairlove says:
THIS VASE FROM LEBANON IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS I HAVE SEEN, YOU MUST FEEL LIKE GOD ONCE YOU CREATED SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
2 years ago
copperlilly says:
Beautiful work!
2 years ago
WinchesterLambourne says:
Wow, so pretty.
2 years ago
burntmill says:
love it! I am so in love with dichroic glass rings :)
2 years ago
PoPkO says:
Great article Dee! I read your blog (flickr? dont remember) recently about this, and Im so glad to see more here. THEN- I scrolled down to see MY pink dichroic glass pendant! YAY!
2 years ago
CrystalKittyCat says:
Dichroic glass is so beautiful!
2 years ago
livefunky says:
Such a wonderful article about a dazzling artform! I fell in love with dichroic glass years ago, in all places, at an art/craft fair not too far from Cape Canaveral. The creator of the earrings I bought told me that it was "invented by NASA". I love that connection because it really is like peering into the outer reaches of the cosmos when you behold dichroic glass. Love the video too - those rings are amazing!
2 years ago
IrinaPhotography says:
That's cool.
2 years ago
visionquest says:
i L O V E dichroic glass!! great article!
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
the colours are amazing beautiful!
2 years ago
willowglass says:
Hey everyone, thanks so much!
2 years ago
Vanessa says:
LOL younghairlove - or maybe you'd feel like an astronaut god?
2 years ago
tannerglass says:
Great article Dee and Vanessa! I must admit, I didn't know anything about dicroic glass before reading this (except that I like it). Thanks for the education!
2 years ago
uncharted says:
cool. thanks for the info
2 years ago
jsglassart says:
Beautiful work!
2 years ago
VintageEye says:
all the colors of the ocean, sky, earth, sunset and sunrise with so much sparkle...lovely!
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
seeing helps us appreciate!! thank you!!
2 years ago
shoozles says:
great article ladies- There is some great glass artists here on Etsy :))
2 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
This is sooo fascinating...I have always loved dichroic glass ever since I first laid eyes on it. I have a very treasured dichroic glass bracelet that was made by a local artist that I received for my highschool graduation. Glass artists are amazing!
2 years ago
ArtBoxDesigns says:
Amazing examples! I've got a few dichroic pendents in my shop. Love the article! Thanks!
2 years ago
perfectsixtynine says:
i want a ring.
2 years ago
asundrynotion says:
What a fascinating journey from the aerospace industry to art!
2 years ago
jenniferlynnstudio says:
Love reading about how different things that catch my eyes ...are made...thanks! Gorgeous dichroic pieces!
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Soooo pretty!!!!
2 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Thanks for sharing the details on how this glass is made, wow~! your work is beautiful.
2 years ago
ArtDecoDame says:
those coasters are so cute!
2 years ago
PurpleBears says:
Wow, I would never guess the raw form looks like it does. It's amazing how magical dichroic glass is.
2 years ago
WoollyWonka says:
I love dichroic glass...!
2 years ago
BargainHeadbands says:
gorgeous. Everything is gorgeous. I love the video
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Great post Dee! All the pieces are gorgeous!
2 years ago
GlazedOver says:
Something so captivating about gorgeous glass. Excellent, informative and fascinating article. Nice job!
2 years ago
Firelily says:
Fantanstic article! I love dichroic... even prettier in person :)
2 years ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
Just love the feature!
2 years ago
cowriegirl says:
wow, dichroic glass is absolutely beautiful!
2 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
The frog is cute! Interesting article.
2 years ago
SweetwaterGifts says:
Great video. It's amazing what has come out of the space industry!
2 years ago
MichelleStudio says:
I am a sucker for the dichroic glass~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Rainbow of colors. Absolutely beautiful!!
2 years ago
wishartglass says:
Thanks for another great GLASS article!
2 years ago
maiaart says:
You cannot help but be fascinated by Dichroic Glass! Great article
2 years ago
Rose442 says:
Great Article very pretty glass!
2 years ago
klacustomcreations says:
wow beautiful, hard to pick a favorite all are so pretty!
2 years ago
DragonfireBeads says:
Gotta love dichro!
2 years ago
kittytrishia says:
I have one of Zulasurfings awesome Dichroic glass rings and it is my all favorite piece to this day. You should see the jaws drop when they see it in the sunshine!
2 years ago
kittytrishia says:
In case anyone was curious the zulasurfing ring I have is the first you see towards the end of the video in the sunshine. :D
2 years ago
GlassElements says:
Another awesome glass article! Yay for Glass!!
2 years ago
sandali says:
AWESOME !! Thanks for all the insight about dichroic glass -- it's always awesome to learn more about other materials & crafts -- Beautiful trigger happy colors ;)
2 years ago
KanYoFuse says:
Absolutely awesome article. Love dichro. Great job!
2 years ago
SundraSandrusi says:
gorgeous pieces!!
2 years ago
MangoTango says:
Do I love dichroic glass? The license plate on my car reads DICHRO. :D
2 years ago
willowglass says:
Good morning, everyone! Nice to wake up to so many wonderful comments. Thanks!
2 years ago
dbabcock says:
Wonderful article. It's so nice to know the background of artistic creations like this. Thank you. Beautiful works!
2 years ago
Morado says:
prettyyyy!
2 years ago
Craftymoose says:
Great article! I really enjoyed learning more about Dichroic glass! The ring video was amazing, too.
2 years ago
RDGDesigns says:
Great article!! One thing that wasn't mentioned is how hard it is to use dichro at the torch. You can burn the coating off and be left with nothing but white glitter. It has to be carefully worked which I don't think most people who buy dichroic pieces understand.
2 years ago
willowglass says:
RDGDesigns, that's a good point. I wrote the article as a glass fuser, but I'm sure one of the lampworkers will cover this in a (hopefully!) future post. So much knowledge to share! Step-by-steps photos of the fusing process can be seen on my blog.
2 years ago
CombustionGlassworks says:
I laughed SO HARD when i saw my thumbs up kiln shot! You can see why i refer to it as Kiln Christmas... either you get a new Porsche...or socks ;p if you are REALLY interested, I made a short video a while back, "Glass Fusion in 90 Seconds" http://www.flickr.com/photos/combustionglassworks/2405931257/
2 years ago
VintageJamie says:
So fantastic!
2 years ago
evihan says:
great great great:-)thanx for sharing...
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Awesome!
2 years ago
AnemoneGirl says:
Wonderful! I have always love the glass!
2 years ago
OverTheTop says:
I've always wanted to know how this was done. What a great video, and I so want one of those rings! Magical, and so informative. Beautiful pieces chosen as well.
2 years ago
mamaangus says:
wow those are pretty
2 years ago
VintageZen says:
That is amazing!
2 years ago
xoxoDesigns says:
Sooooooo beautiful! I am going to call my mom and sister as I know they would enjoy reading this too!!!
2 years ago
wewillrockyou says:
it's beautiful stuff! come see ours here: wewillrockyou.etsy.com :)
2 years ago
ovgilliesdesigns says:
Oohs and Ahhs! Love it! Wish I could make some, maybe in the future :D For now I'll just keep making wish lists!
2 years ago
BelleMereBelleFille says:
Vanessa: I'm sorry I don't have any photos of my grandfathers glass products. I'm far from home...
2 years ago
IceCreamCandy says:
glass can be soooooo pretty:)
2 years ago
funnyfuser says:
Glass has been my life for 25 years, it will last forever. Great story!
2 years ago
creationsinglass says:
Glass is simply glasstastic, very nice article!
2 years ago
VIKukA says:
It is so beautiful and perfect!
2 years ago
RightAsRainCreations says:
Fabulous article! Great job, Dee and lovely work, everyone!
2 years ago
capitalcitycrafts says:
Thanks for the info- this is one of my loves because it's colorful and I don't make it... combustionglassworks does fabulous work!
2 years ago
AuntCrafty says:
glass is such an wonderful thing. So beautiful!
2 years ago
JanelDudleyBeads says:
Whoo hoo! I was wondering what was up with all the views in my Etsy shop!! Now I know!!! XOXOX to Etsy!! Go glass!!
2 years ago
JanelDudleyBeads says:
OH! and a big ol hug and kiss to Vanessa especially!!!!
2 years ago
DreamWhimsy says:
beautiful and dream like!
2 years ago
TreeHuggerStudio says:
That is gorgeous!!!
2 years ago
katking says:
Thanks for the great article!! I also LOVE working with dichroic glass; the transformation in the kiln is utterly amazing....Great selections, too!!
2 years ago
GazedUponGlass says:
Great article! Dichroic is fun and fascinating to work with. So many talented glass artists on Etsy use it in their work. Everyone should own some. :)
2 years ago
Fishstikks says:
I admittedly never really paid much attention to dichroic glass before but I am completely blown away by not only the process but the end results! That video really grabbed my attention and made me want to learn this fascinating art form. Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention! Gorgeous rings by the way!!
2 years ago
JudiPaintedit says:
Very cool!
2 years ago
Mymothersgarden says:
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing the process with us! Love the "garden decor" stakes by Rwillisglassart!
2 years ago
pjlacasse says:
Beautiful....I love glass..and the dichroic glass they have come out with are fun to play with! All these pieces are very fun and interesting
2 years ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
The vase by J.Winter is especially nice. I love working with dichroic glass whenever I have some spare time to do some fusing and crafting. There's so many beautiful varieties of glass products on etsy, it's very intimidating to think of selling.
2 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Gorgeous!
2 years ago
PLJohnsonGlassArt says:
Great article...dichroic has been my passion for over 10 yrs...just one look and I was hooked!!
2 years ago
VitalTemptation says:
Beautiful work and very interesting article!
2 years ago
tldgrainwear says:
Truly eye-catching pieces...see ya!
2 years ago
providenceartglass says:
What a great article..... Love the dicro!
2 years ago
maybeads says:
Wonderful feature! I love the sparkly glass - especially JanelDudley's set - just gorgeous!
2 years ago
Enuwbe says:
GLASS, what a wonderful art form!
2 years ago
HomeFriedBeads says:
Absolutely awesome article and video!
2 years ago
Mattamorphis says:
That ring is fabulous. Oh my stars, can you imagine walking downtown NYC and forgetting your 38 at home? That ring will do the trick incase you get mugged. I need one in every color for every hand!
2 years ago
MintyFreshFusions says:
MangoTango, if I saw a car with a plate that said DICHRO, I think I would have to follow it!
2 years ago
Tina669 says:
Wow, so pretty
2 years ago
shizendesigns says:
I had no idea how dichroic glasses were made. Beautiful!
2 years ago
willowglass says:
Thanks again for all the great comments, everyone!
2 years ago
YookalyptusGlass says:
BelleMereBelleFille, please do tell more of where they used dichroic glass for the space missions if you know.I make and sell dichroic glass jewellery (on break at moment while re-locating), and I have in the past read that they used it as an interference filter on the astronauts visors, but do you know if they used it for the shuttle windows, or if it was used under the launch to absorb some of the heat generated by the engines? The latter was told to me by a customer. It is difficult to get hold of this information almost first hand and your Gramps info that he passed onto you is the best. Do you recall what these 'ruby' gems on the dashboard were used for? Thanks very much :)
2 years ago
DIPdesigns says:
wow, so beautiful
2 years ago
Chris1 says:
We have a variety of dichroic glass also! Check us out!
2 years ago
NoisyButterfly says:
This is all so fasinating. I love dichroic glass. I have a few pendants that always gets the attention of most people when I wear them. Everything is very beautiful.
2 years ago