Chemical Effects of Glass Hydration in the Natural Environment

Abstract

The hydration of glass is of great interest to industry, archaeology, and geology. Molecular water species react with silicate bonds to form hydroxyl species that allow for rapid exchange of elements into and out of the original glass. Perlite forms from hydration of natural obsidian shortly after eruption and represents a high temperature analogue to glass hydration at room temperature. The purpose of this study was to perform detailed geochemical analyses of the transition of obsidian to perlite to provide valuable insights into the degradation of industrial glass, as well as the decomposition of ancient glass artifacts. Understanding the fundamental chemical reactions that occur during this transition is essential to minimize the rate of industrial glass degradation and effectively preserve glass artifacts, in addition to gaining insights into their ages.