Selecting the right transparent material for a high-pressure viewport, sight glass, or window is a critical engineering decision. The wrong choice can lead to catastrophic failure, safety hazards, and costly downtime. Two of the most common contenders in this arena are Quartz Glass (Fused Silica) and Tempered Borosilicate Glass.

Borosilicate glass is a specialized glass composed of silica and boron trioxide, known for its low thermal expansion and high resistance to temperature changes. This makes it ideal for applications requiring durability and safety, such as industry sight glass, outdoor lighting, cookware, laboratory equipment, and drinkware.

Colored glass tubes are not just eye-catching; they’re versatile, functional, and used across a range of industries, from scientific laboratories to decorative arts. Made by infusing specific elements into the glass, these tubes provide a unique combination of durability, heat resistance, and vibrant color options that suit various applications. This guide explores everything buyers need to know about colored glass tubes, including their production process, popular color choices, sizes, and safe use in different fields. Whether you’re sourcing tubes for industrial use or creative projects, this guide will help you make an informed purchase.

Quartz glass, or fused quartz, is highly valued for its excellent thermal stability, optical transparency, and chemical inertness. With over 99% SiO2 content, it can withstand temperatures up to 1400°C while maintaining its integrity, making it ideal for applications that demand resilience against extreme conditions.

Borosilicate glass is more temperature and chemical resistant than soda lime glass due to the presence of boric oxide. It is stronger and harder than unprocessed soda lime glass, which often requires tempering to achieve similar durability.

Borosilicate glass typically contains around 80% silica, making it less pure than quartz glass, which is over 99% silica. Quartz glass can withstand much higher temperatures, up to 1,100°C, while borosilicate glass can resist to 450°C. Quartz glass offers greater thermal resistance, making it ideal for high-heat applications.