Milkglass

Milkglass, a white, opaque variety of glass first appeared in 16th century Venice. Frequently a cheap substitute for porcelain, molded milk glass has been used to create products as wide ranging as light fixtures, figurines, and costume jewelry.



In pre World War II housing, milk glass kitchen and bathroom lighting fixtures are common. The schoolhouse fixture is omnipresent.

Above: the classic "tear drop" shape.


The majority of common glass is composed of silica, soda, and lime. The silica typically makes up 60 - 80% of the glass, and is generally derived from sand. The final color of glass is both a matter of controlling off-coloring impurities and adding compounds (like tin oxide in the case of milk glass).