What is Borosilicate Glass? A Complete Guide for Kitchenware by Métier Lifestyle
- Gautam Kumar
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
We are surrounded by different types of glass in our daily lives. Although all glasses may appear the same visually, they differ significantly in their properties and applications.
Glass, by definition, is an inorganic product of fusion that is cooled to a rigid condition without crystallizing. Among various types, borosilicate glass—also known as Type 1 glass—is considered one of the most superior. At Métier Lifestyle Products, we exclusively use high-quality borosilicate glass across our glassware collection due to its exceptional durability, thermal resistance, and clarity.
Borosilicate glass was first developed in the late 19th century by German glassmaker Otto Schott. In India, it was first produced indigenously in 1939 by the Late Dr. Sridhar Raghunath Lele. Today, Métier Lifestyle Products proudly continues that legacy by using only premium 3.3 expansion borosilicate glass in all our kitchenware and decorative glassware. We do not manufacture laboratory glassware.
Borosilicate glass is a mixture of silica, boron, sodium, and aluminum. Its excellent thermal and chemical resistance makes it widely suitable for cookware, serveware, and high-end household applications. All glassware from Métier Lifestyle Products is crafted using Type 1 borosilicate glass to ensure unmatched quality and safety.
Composition of Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate glass contains Boron trioxide (B2O3) as one of the major components, which makes it highly durable and resistant to thermal stress.
Raw materials are categorized as:
Glass formers: SiO2, P2O5, B2O3
Modifiers and Fluxes: Al2O3, CaO, Na2O, Li2O
Types & Chemical Composition of Borosilicate Glass
Chemical | 3.3 Expansion | 4.9 Expansion (Clear) | 5.4 Expansion (Amber) |
SiO2 | 80.60% | 75.00% | 70.00% |
B2O3 | 13.00% | 10.50% | 7.50% |
Na2O | 4.00% | 5.00% | 6.50% |
Al2O3 | 2.30% | 7.00% | 6.00% |
CaO | – | 1.50% | <1.0% |
Fe2O3 | – | – | 1.00% |
TiO2 | – | – | 5.00% |
K2O | – | – | 1.00% |
BaO | – | – | 2.00% |
Physical Properties
Property | 3.3 Expansion | 4.9 Expansion (Clear) | 5.4 Expansion (Amber) |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20–300°C) x10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ | 3.3 | 4.9 | 5.4 |
Annealing Point (°C) | 565 | 565 | 560 |
Softening Point (°C) | 820 | 785 | 770 |
Density at 25°C (g/cm³) | 2.23 | 2.34 | 2.42 |
The low coefficient of thermal expansion makes 3.3 borosilicate glass resistant to temperature shock, making it the ideal choice for products used in both household and industrial applications.
International Standards
At Métier Lifestyle Products, we strictly follow international glass standards to ensure consistency and performance. Our borosilicate glass complies with:
Standard | 3.3 Expansion | 4.9 Expansion (Clear) | 5.4 Expansion (Amber) |
ASTM E-438 | Type 1 Class A | Type 1 Class B | Type 1 Class B |
USP (US Pharmacopoeia) | Type 1 | Type 1 | Type 1 |
EP (European Pharmacopoeia) | Type 1 | Type 1 | Type 1 |
ISO 3585 | Conforms | Conforms | Conforms |
Métier Lifestyle Products ensures every glass product meets or exceeds these standards for optimal safety, durability, and utility. Applications in Our Product Line
We use 3.3 low expansion borosilicate glass in a wide variety of our glassware, including:
Home and Kitchen Glassware: storage jars, measuring cups, mixing bowls, water bottles, drinking glasses
Decorative Items: vases, candle holders, display jars
Thanks to its exceptional properties, borosilicate glass forms the backbone of all Metier Lifestyle Products’ glass offerings, ensuring that you get the highest quality whether you're shopping for home, serveware, or decorative purposes.
If you’re seeking glassware that’s built to last and designed to perform—Métier Lifestyle Products has you covered.
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