Do you know that unspoken rule that dictates when a word is extra science-like that it must be complicated and very effective at what it does?

Yeah, that’s true for borosilicate glass.

The name is intimidating alone but do not fear, the logic behind what makes this type of glass great for water pipes, bongs and dab rigs doesn’t require a PhD to understand.

We are going to jump right into it by skipping all that silicon and boron trioxide nonsense. Instead, this article will be breaking down some of the qualities and applications of this glass to answer the question “What makes borosilicate glass best for water pipes?

What is borosilicate glass?

Borosilicate glass is a material that has proven its worth through time. Being created in 1908, this type of glass has been used in many ways for over 100 years.

A good example of an early use of borosilicate is with the Pyrex company; a company that made glass for use in housewares. You know, that glass measuring cup that grandmas world-wide use for everything from baking measurements to microwaving vegetables.

This imagery may definitely seem confusing when relating it to water pipes. However, it is a great example because the same reasons you desire quality glass in a kitchen for housewares are the same qualities you want in your bongs, rigs and pipes.  

Just as you want a temperature-resistant and incredibly durable piece of glassware that is free of toxins for your kitchen, it is important to have a water pipe that is equipped to handle long-term use.

Borosilicate glass is a clear glass which is easy to keep clean — this being one of its most desirable features for each of its applications. A good contrast to highlight this quality is to compare it against the softer glasses that are used to make the generally more colourful heady glass pieces.

Everybody has one of those colourful heady glass pipes that they started their smoking experience with. It doesn’t take long at all for the colours of the glass to start to change and degrade over large amounts of use.

This is why having a water pipe, or any piece of scientific glass, made out of borosilicate glass is important. It can act as a cornerstone of your collection as it is highly resistant to corrosion and long-term degradation from regular use.

What are the benefits of borosilicate glass?

The term scientific glass is heavily associated with borosilicate glass for a very practical reason. Beaker bongs, straight shooters and select bubblers draw inspiration from the tools you find in a modern laboratory. These tools require the same unique properties of borosilicate glass: temperature resistance, incredible durability and being free of toxins.

Temperature-resistance of borosilicate glass

The versatile temperature resistance of borosilicate glass is probably the defining quality of this material as a whole. This is applicable from the creation of products using this glass as well as in its final state.

The resulting malleability in the glass blowing process makes it a great material for crafting water pipes. Even when working with the more simple shapes and lines of scientific glass, the glass needs to be able to handle the stress it is placed under during this process.

Once set into the shape of your desired rig, bong or pipe – borosilicate glass is able to retain this same strong composition through its regular use.

It may seem menial as a smoker, but even the inconsistent heat applied by the lighter as you spark up would cause long-term damage to most types of glass.

Durability of borosilicate glass

Borosilicate glass is a great option for those who may be a bit clumsy.

Each piece of scientific glass can vary in thickness but it is generally considered the choice for smokers whose primary concern is durability.

This type of glass gains its ability to handle a rough lifestyle for the reason it is also temperature-resistant. It’s very compact molecular composition means it can take its knocks.

As a result, scientific glass is perfect for dedicated collectors. The durability that borosilicate glass offers means it can act as both a water pipe for everyday use and a long-term investment.

Borosilicate glass is free of toxins

It isn’t just water bottles and Tupperware that leak BPA’s as well as many other contaminants. This is true for your water pipes and smoking accessories too.

Borosilicate glass is used widely because it doesn’t leak toxins into whatever it is being used for. When it comes to your water pipes, buying a piece made of this type of glass can help ensure that you are having the purest smoking experience possible.

Taking the scientific approach to your glass and buying a bong, rig or pipe made of borosilicate could both be the most logical as well as the healthiest choice you could make for your next piece!

Is borosilicate glass the best choice for me?

Well, that’s a tough question because each smoker has their own taste. At the same time though, we can say that every smoker could benefit from having a piece of scientific glass made of borosilicate. It really depends on what type of collection you are creating. Although not as artistic as heady glass, borosilicate has a better lifespan than most other pieces of glass.

If you are looking to make a purchase that is a cornerstone of any collection, a water pipe made of borosilicate glass best for you.