Item Name:
Purple Drank Crushed Opal Encased Tubing
SKU:
AG-PURPLEDRANK
Description:
Purple Drank Crushed Opal Encased Tubing is a borosilicate glass tubing that features a vibrant purple base glass with crushed opal material encased within the tubing structure. The crushed opal creates a sparkling, iridescent effect throughout the glass, producing flashes of color when heated and worked. This tubing is constructed by encasing layers of crushed opal between clear or colored borosilicate glass, creating a dimensional effect that reveals the opal's natural play of light. In lampworking, this tubing is used when you want to create beads, vessels, or sculptural forms with built-in sparkle and color complexity. The encased opal adds visual interest and depth to finished pieces without requiring additional surface application.
How it is used:
- Heat the tubing gently at first to warm it evenly before bringing it to full flame, preventing thermal shock and cracking.
- Melt the tubing into a ball or gather, allowing the crushed opal to integrate with the surrounding glass as you work.
- Use the tubing to create beads by gathering, shaping, and marvering, or slice it into sections for inlay work in larger pieces.
- The opal will flash color as you heat and cool it, so work at a steady pace to control the visual effect.
- Encase additional clear glass over the opal layer if you want to intensify the sparkle and protect the opal from oxidation.
