What is fumed glass?
Fumed glass is a style of glass that contains gold and silver within the glass. People often call this type of glass "color changing". The process to fume glass gives colorful patterns when gold and silver are applied. The precious metals are heated up with a blow torch blowing the metal directly onto the pipe. The metal on the glass is put into the vapor stream and encased in another layer of glass.
Gold tends to give pink and purple hues. The pipe below has pink streaking throughout and as a result we know that some gold was used to get this unique color.
Whereas, silver looks yellow or blue - depending how much fume is in the piece. This piece has a small amount of the metal and will give it a yellowish tint.
The more you use a pipe, the more the colors will change and pop through the glass. This happens as resin builds up and comes in contact with fumed metal. Every time you smoke you will get different streaks of color coming through as your pipe gets dirtier.
Double layered fumed glass - artisans start with one color glass, add a layer of fumed glass, and then a second layer of fumed glass to create a mesmerizing pipe. Take a look at these examples:
Now you know the basics of what fumed glass is and how your pipe changes color. We recommend occasionally cleaning your glass pipe and starting all over again on the color changing process. The best cleaner is Mister Eeze brand - ask for it at any Up-N-Smoke store in Louisville, KY or at your local smoke shop.
You can shop fumed glass here at Up-N-Smoke Online.