The following pictures demonstrate the visual differences between regular plate glass and low iron glass, AKA blue glass. Different manufactures (i.e. Guardian, PPE Industries) have different glass qualities but all low iron glass has a noticeable improvement in clarity and, for most observers, an improvement in color from a light green to a light blue. Low iron glass is more closely akin to optical glass.

Although more expensive as the manufacturing process is more demanding, low iron glass is often used in higher-end uses such as aquariums, shower enclosures, doors, showroom windows, furniture, shelving and our favorite - glass railing where its enhanced features make a clear and dramatic difference. The visual difference is magnified the thicker the glass panel becomes.

Low iron glass can be worked (tempered, laminated, etched and painted) and can be used virtually anywhere regular glass can.

Technically speaking, low iron glass can have as little as 10% of the iron content of regular glass allowing it to transmit 91% of light compared to 83% for regular glass.

Here's one brief testimonial as stated by a low-iron glass viewer, "Absolutely stunning!" Spend a little more and get this wonderful look of clarity.

(The pictures below were extracted off the internet. We trust there are no copyright issues.)

An aquarium picture demonstrating clarity.

An aquarium picture demonstrating the low iron glass light blue color.



An aquarium picture demonstrating the low iron glass color.



Two panes, regular plate and low iron plate.

Two panes, regular plate and low iron plate showing the difference in transparency.

Two aquariums, two glass types - regular (left) and low iron (right).



Two thick glass panes, regular plate (left) and low iron plate (right).



Two panes, low iron plate (left and almost invisible) and regular greenish-tint plate (right).





Two panes, regular plate (left) and low iron plate (right).



Another comparative picture of regular glass versus low iron glass.