Opals can be large, especially since the ones used in boro are made in a lab. The issue is that an opal is close to 33 COE, but not, so the larger the opal, the more the chance of it cracking.
Quartz melts at just over 3000 F. Learn more here in our blog of terms
You can see Murrine here and Millie here.
Heraus is a maker of quartz. While a German company their quartz is not made there due to the high cost. Their quartz is also made in China. It is no better or worse than any other quartz on the market. Thickness and quality of build is most important when glass is considered.
Switchballs are wig wags that have swtiched the axis
A ratacello is mostly line work, and a filacello fills the clear with color inbetween. Many more terms can be found in our Glass Terms page
YES! The goal is to get the crap off the streets and replace it with our Elev8 high quality bangers.
Many times it is the silver that is added, or crystals in the glass need to form. Annealing will help the crystals to grow and give the desired color. Ruby by Northstar is an example of a striking red, while double amber purple is a striking color mostly done in the flame.
Soft glass does not have the thermal expansion abilities as borosilicate glass. Changing temperatures fast on soft glass will cause it to crack.
Elev8 Premier does make Butter Color and Lined Tubing for glass artists as well as hand made joints.