What is glitter made of?

Abstract:

Glitters are fine particles made up of different materials with different methods. Glitters are actually light reflecting small chunks that shimmers. These are made up of Epsom salt, copolymer plastics, aluminum foil, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides etc. You can buy glitters from trusted shops like www.Irisy.com or you can make them at home as well.  

Glitter

Glitters is an enthralling petite reflective particles that redirect the light at different angles. The reflection property makes the glitter to shine or shimmer. Glitter is similar to confetti, sparkles, or sequins, but somewhat smaller.

Components of Glitter

Glitter are made up of following substances

• copolymer plastics, 
• aluminumfoil, 
• titaniumdioxide, and
• iron oxides.

How it is made?

These materials are usually produced in thin sheets that are painted with bright metallic or iridescent colors that reflect light. The sheets are then cut up into tiny pieces to make glitter that sparkles brightly when its many pieces reflect light in a colorful spectrum!

To keep it from being too messy, glitter makers usually package glitter in small containers that have small holes that help control the flow of glitter. To apply glitter to an object, you will usually use glue or another type of sticky substance that the glitter will stick to.

 

In its present form, glitter has only been around for about 75 years or so. However, scientists have found cave paintings over 2,000 years old that include mica flakes that give the paintings a sparkly appearance.

Modern Glitter:

Modern glitter as we know it was invented in 1934 by a New Jersey cattle rancher named Henry Ruschmann. Henry also dabbled as a machinist. His hobby led to the accidental discovery of a process that used a machine to precisely cut plastic films into thousands of tiny pieces.

All those tiny pieces of plastic eventually became the product we now call glitter. Ruschmann started a company called Meadowbrook Inventions to produce glitter in large quantities. His company is still in business today and is one of the world's largest manufacturers of glitter.

https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-makes-glitter-sparkle

Polyester Glitter

A very versatile glitter that is used extensively in making different things, stands up to many solvents, is gorgeous, and comes in lots of colors and types. A new trend in glitter is the new FDA Certified Cosmetic Grade glitters. These glitters have had the pigments tested and stamped as safe for wearing on skin. This is not to say that the other non-cosmetic grade glitters are not safe. They just have not had the expensive and extensive testing done. 

How to Make Glitter

Now that was a really brief and precise introduction about glitter. At least on should have idea about what he is going to make.

You can easily make glitter at home, and you might already have the supplies to do it. Children should ask an adult for help before using the oven or sharp scissors. Remember to work away from doors, open windows, and fans, or you'll end up with glitter all over the house.

Here is a Rung by rung journey towards making perfect shimmery glitter that will satisfy your mind. Following is the Pictorial of making perfect glitters

Apparently two methods are being described here:

1^st Method:

Step 1

Put salt in a closable container. You can use table salt, sea salt, or any other kind of white or colorless salt. Place the salt in zip-locked bags or containers with a sealed lid. Use one container for each color of glitter.

• Use an amount of salt equivalent to the amount of glitter that you want. There are no other ingredients besides food coloring, so the amount you start with will be the amount of glitter you get.
• For a sweeter glitter, you can try using granulated white sugar instead. There's a risk that sugar might melt into a syrup, which will not happen with salt.

Step 2:

Mix in food coloring. Add one drop of food coloring, then seal the container and shake vigorously. Repeat until you get the color you want.

• If you're using a zip-locked bag, lay it on the counter and knead it to distribute the color.

Step 3:

Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet. Spread the glitter onto a baking sheet in a thin, even layer.

• If you're using sugar, cover the baking sheet with parchment paper first. This makes cleanup easier if the sugar melts.