Low Iron Glass

For some glass applications, an exceptional level of clarity is required. Iron is a naturally occurring element which is almost always found in the sand which is used to make glass, in varying amounts. Perfect for residential and commercial projects, low iron glass is a crisp and clear choice.

The clear choice. Contact us today!

The effect of iron in glass is to give it a faint greenish tinge. Whilst the tint is usually almost imperceptible (generally it can only be seen when the glass is laid against a white background), there are some places where clear glass is preferable. In these circumstances, it’s possible to obtain low iron glass (also called starphire glass).

Starphire glass for your fireplace glass doors and more

Low iron or starphire glass is simply glass which is made from low-iron sand. Sand for glass is sourced from many different parts of the country or internationally. Most deposits have moderate amounts of iron in them, whereas low-iron sand is found in only a few places. When low-iron sand is used for glass, it creates a very clear product that gives excellent transparency. Clarity is often an issue when a large expanse of glass is used, as the tint can become more obvious as the glass size increases. This means that for large-scale projects, including those involving structural glass, a low-iron option can give a cleaner, more sparkly look to the installation than would otherwise be the case.

How is low iron glass used?

Because we custom-make our glass commissions, we can ensure that whatever we create for you is made from low-iron glass to give you the look that you’re aiming for. Applications where starphire glass is frequently requested include fireplace glass, some windows (particularly showroom windows), display cases or anywhere else where a very clear glass is needed. With experience across a variety of glass types, we can advise on individual projects, helping you to determine whether low-iron glass is going to be most appropriate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Frameless glass pool fencing consists of a toughened or “tempered” glass panel held upright with small stainless steel posts. The result is a glass barrier that is simple, strong and unobtrusive. It is particularly popular for frameless glass pool fencing applications because it permits full visibility both into and out of the pool area, simplifying supervision and thereby adding to the safety of the pool fencing.

  • Our frameless glass pool fences use 12mm toughened glass. Toughened glass is regularly used in commercial building applications such as glass railings in shopping centres and is immensely strong. It can be broken by sharp impact but in that extremely unlikely event, it breaks into small “pebbles” of glass, providing much greater safety than normal glass.

  • Toughened glass is manufactured using a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it much harder, yet more flexible than normal glass. Extensively used in commercial construction such as large glass walls, skylights and office partitions, it is also widely used in domestic dwellings in fixtures like frameless shower screens, kitchen bench splashbacks, and, of course, all kinds of balustrades and pool fencing.

    Often referred to as “safety glass” the kinds of glass which can be used in all these applications is specified under Australian Standards and various building codes which serve to protect consumers. Largely heat resistant, toughened safety glass is all around you every day in many other products and, of course, we ensure all Coastline products are fully compliant with all the regulations and building codes, which keep you safe.

  • Toughened glass is very strong indeed. Think of the glass railings in your local shopping centre and the loads those railings must be able to resist. Imagine how strong those glass-clad high-rise office blocks have to be to withstand the wind 100 metres above ground or accidental impact. Our frameless glass pool fences, which use the same kind of glass, have been tested for compliance with all the requirements of safety authorities and easily passed with flying colours. Even when higher loads than necessary were applied, the posts and glass remained unaffected.

  • All glass fencing requires precise measuring which enables us to assemble all the componentry. As soon as the materials have been delivered to your home, we’ll schedule the installation which involves assembling the fence panels, positioning, core drilling the holes, and fixing of the posts. Once the posts have been installed and the epoxy compounds that hold them in place has “cured”, the glass and any gates are installed and thoroughly cleaned.

  • Soap and water is all that is needed to maintain the class and stainless steel.

  • The fence layout can be modified if necessary. Of course, as with any building project, it’s better to plan ahead to avoid the necessity and there are some factors which may need careful consideration but your Coastline professionals will be happy to discuss these issues with you at any time.