Glitter

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For other uses, see Glitter (disambiguation).
Close-up of glitter

Glitter describes an assortment of very small, flat, reflective particles. When particles are applied to surfaces, they reflect light in different angles causing the surface to sparkle or shimmer. Glitter is similar to, but smaller than confetti or sequins. Glitter has been produced and used decoratively since prehistoric times from many different materials including stones such as malachite[1] or mica,[2] insects,[3] and glass. Modern glitter is most commonly manufactured from plastic.

Modern glitter

The first production of modern plastic glitter is credited to American cattle farmer and machinist, Henry Ruschmann, based on a patent filled shortly after the end of the Second World War for a mechanism for cross-cutting films as well as other related inventions.[4] With German glass glitter unavailable due to the war, Ruschmann found a market for scrap material ground into glitter made of plastics.[2][5] He founded Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc. in Bernardsville, New Jersey, and the company is still a producer of industrial glitter today.[6]

Today over 20,000 varieties of glitter are manufactured in a vast number of different colors, sizes, and materials.[7] Over 10,000,000 pounds (4,500,000 kg) of glitter was purchased between the years of 1989 and 2009 alone. Commercial glitter ranges in size from 0.002 square inches (1.3 mm2) to 0.25 square inches (160 mm2).[8] First, flat multi-layered sheets are produced combining plastic, coloring, and reflective material such as aluminum, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and bismuth oxychloride. These sheets are then cut into tiny particles of many shapes including squares, rectangles, and hexagons.[8]

Ancient glitter

Flakes of mica

The modern word “glitter” comes from glitra in Old Norse through Middle English, However as early as 30,000 years ago, flake mica was used to give caves paintings a glittering appearance.[2] Prehistoric humans are believed to have used cosmetics,[9] which may have included powdered hematite, a sparkling mineral.[10] Over 6,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians produced glittering cosmetics from the iridescent shells of beetles[3] as well as finely ground green malachite crystal.[1] Researchers belive that Mayan temples were sometimes painted with red, green, and grey glitter paint made from mica dust, based on infrared scans of the remnants of paint still found on the structures.[11]

Prior to modern plastics, particles of glass were used to create glittering surfaces,[citation needed] and glass glitter is still produced commercially.

Uses

Glitter nail polish

Glittering surfaces have been found to be used since prehistoric times in the arts and in cosmetics. Sparkling fabrics have come into fashion through the ages. Prior to fabrics made with modern glitter, sequins were sewn or woven onto fabric to give it a glittering appearance. Today, edible glitter made from gum arabic and other ingredients is even used by culinary artists.[12]

Glitter is used in cosmetics to make the face or nails appear more shiny or sparkly. Additionally, it is used in children's arts and crafts to color and texture items. Because particles are so small but are usually colorful and bright, they often remain stuck to clothing, skin, and furniture and can be a hassle to remove.

Due to its unique characteristics, glitter has also proven to be useful forensic evidence. Because of the tens of thousands of different commercial glitters, identical glitter particles can be compelling evidence that a suspect has been at a crime scene. Glitter particles are easily transferred through the air or by touch, yet cling to bodies and clothing, often unnoticed by suspects.[13]

Glitter coatings or finishes are frequently used on fishing lures to draw attention by simulating the scales of prey fish.[14]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Ancient Egyptian Eye Makeup". Country Facts. Retrieved November 12, 2012. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Glitter: A Brief History". New York Magazine. Oct 7, 2007. Retrieved 2013-10-12. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Beauty, Hairstyles and Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt". Facts and Details. Retrieved November 12, 2012. 
  4. ↑ "Operating upon sheets of foil — US 3156283 A". 
  5. ↑ "10,000,000 pounds of glitter was purchased between 1989 and 2009. All That Glitters: The History of Shiny Things". Etsy.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012. 
  6. ↑ "Company Information". Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc. Retrieved November 12, 2012. 
  7. ↑ "90 Seconds with Meadowbrook". Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc. Retrieved November 12, 2012. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Glitter and Sequins Sizing and Shaping". Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc. Retrieved November 12, 2012. 
  9. ↑ "Neanderthal 'make-up' containers discovered". BBC News. January 9, 2010. Retrieved September 22, 2013. 
  10. ↑ "The History of Glitter". Auntie Illumi. Retrieved November 12, 2012. 
  11. ↑ Hansford, Dave (February 7, 2008). "Ancient Maya Used "Glitter" Paint to Make Temple Gleam". National Geographic. Retrieved December 12, 2013. 
  12. ↑ "Watson Inc. - Edible Glitter". Retrieved 2013-10-12. 
  13. ↑ "Glitter as Forensic Evidence". NFSTC. Retrieved November 12, 2012. 
  14. ↑ "Fishing lure — Patent US 2547240 A". 
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