What does smalt mean?
Smalt is a type of blue glass made by fusing powdered cobalt oxide with silica. It is often used in art and decorative objects to create a blue, glass-like effect. The process of making smalt involves heating the powdered cobalt oxide and silica to a high temperature, causing them to melt and form a glass-like substance. Smalt has been used for centuries in various forms of art, including jewelry, decorative objects, and even architecture. It is prized for its vibrant blue color and ability to be molded into intricate designs. Despite its beauty, smalt is a relatively rare and expensive material, making it a sought-after commodity among collectors and artists. In addition to its aesthetic value, smalt also has practical applications in fields such as optics and electronics, where its unique properties make it an ideal material for certain applications. Overall, smalt is a unique and versatile material that continues to captivate artists, collectors, and scientists alike.
nounA type of blue glass made by fusing powdered cobalt oxide with silica.
- A type of blue glass made by fusing powdered cobalt oxide with silica.
"The artist used smalt to create a beautiful, intricate design on the vase."
"The artist used smalt to create a beautiful, intricate design on the vase."
"The museum displayed a collection of antique smalt vases."
The plural form 'smalts' is used when referring to multiple pieces of smalt or when describing a collection of smalt objects.
"The museum displayed a collection of antique smalt vases."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of smalt
The word 'smalt' is derived from the Latin 'smaltum', which refers to a type of blue glass. The term was later adopted into Italian as 'smalto' and French as 'smalt'. From there, it was borrowed into English, where it has been used to describe this type of blue glass since the 17th century.
Usage notes
Smalt is often used in art and decorative objects to create a blue, glass-like effect. It is a type of glass that is made by fusing powdered cobalt oxide with silica.