For the Love of Boro

Rock Bottom 2.0 with Gaia style concrete base

If a Rock Bottom Vessel has ever reminded you of time spent in your high school science class, there’s a very good reason! The glass flasks that we use at Studio50 are made of “science glass” – that is, borosilicate glass (often referred to as  “boro” glass.) This glass was invented in 1891 by Otto Schott, a German chemist and glass technologist.  He discovered that when adding an element called boron trioxide to the usual glass-making ingredients of silica sand, sodium carbonate and lime, the glass became stronger and its thermal resistance was able to withstand extreme and fluctuating temperatures, yet still retain transparency and optical clarity. The addition of boron also made the glass chemically resistant, in that it does not react with other compounds.

This innovation proved to have boundless uses.  In addition to being standard in science labs all over the world, borosilicate glass is used in oven doors, floodlights, solar telescopes, and some brands of cookware. This glass even coated the thermal insulation tiles on the Space Shuttle. 

The Berg Vase textured grey concrete

Our science glass passes several inspections before it reaches our studio. It is important to remember that the flasks are not “fashion glass”. They are made with science applications in mind. While there may be small scratches from the moulds, or tiny bubbles present, the glass is structurally sound, and able to withstand a temperature variance of 165C (329F).

Science glass can be found in many shapes and sizes in laboratories – think stubby beakers, triangular shaped beakers, flat-bottom beakers and stirring rods – 3 kinds of shapes are found in our work. First the round-bottom flask with a long neck (often referred to as a Florence flask).  It’s designed for even heating and cooling – the bulk of the area is at the bottom of the flask, so when placed into a pre-chilled concrete base the temperature travels quickly and evenly to the liquid in the flask. The round shape makes a swirling motion effortless, which aids in the effective aeration of wine. We also use this style in our Berg Vases. The second style of science glass we use is test tubes in our concrete Bud vases. The cast-in place glass in both vase designs creates a waterproof space.

 Concrete Bud Vase in textured grey

The third style of glass we use is the Erlenmeyer flask in our Oil and Vinegar sets.

Oil and Vinegar set

Though it all sounds rather scientific, it fits perfectly with our philosophy of pairing form and function. We strive to create furniture and lifestyle-wares that look great in your surroundings – pieces that you feel comfortable using and enjoy everyday.