Dynamics of Chemical Composition Variation of 18th – 19th Century Russian Glass

Abstract

The chemical and isotopic compositions of glass fragments found on the site of a former 18th – 19th glass plant in Kazan are studied. The finds are divided into three basic groups in terms of three types of glass from which they are fabricated: Ca–K, Ca–K–Na, and Ca–Na–K. The data on the chemical and isotopic composition show difference between the glasses in terms of recipe and raw material source. Comparison of the analytical and historical data suggested that each group of glasses corresponds to a definite time period of production. The composition of one group indicates the possibility that soda ash was added to the recipe.