Microcrystalline glass, also known as vitrocrystalline glass or glass-ceramic, is a type of glass that has been treated to form small crystalline structures within its matrix. It is created through controlled crystallization of certain glass compositions, resulting in a material that combines the properties of both glass and ceramics.

Microcrystalline glass possesses a unique combination of characteristics that make it desirable for various applications. It exhibits excellent mechanical strength, high thermal stability, low thermal expansion, and good chemical resistance. Additionally, it can be fabricated into complex shapes and polished to a high degree of smoothness.

The crystalline structures in microcrystalline glass are typically on the nanometer to micrometer scale, giving the material its distinct properties. The specific crystalline phases formed during the crystallization process depend on the composition and heat treatment of the glass. Common crystalline phases found in microcrystalline glass include apatite, spinel, wollastonite, and various other crystal structures.

Due to its properties, microcrystalline glass finds applications in a range of industries. It is used in cookware and kitchenware due to its resistance to thermal shock and its ability to withstand high temperatures. It is also employed in dental ceramics, electrical insulators, medical implants, and high-performance optics, among other uses.

It’s worth noting that “microcrystalline glass” is sometimes used as a term to describe glass that contains microscopic crystalline inclusions, such as in some types of stained glass. However, in the broader technical sense, microcrystalline glass refers to the intentionally produced glass-ceramic materials with controlled crystallization.