I have an idea a similar phenomenon was noted in the question and answer page in the back of New Scientist magazine a few years ago but I am not sure if that would be on line, or how to find it.
For what it's worth it was antique, quite old (not one of yours, Johnny UK!)
Maybe this is a start:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.expertexpert.com/tough.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_glass_breakage
-R. A. Wilderson
Steve - I had the same thing happen to a new red wine goblet just a couple of months ago before we moved. It was sitting rim side down on a dish towel on the kitchen counter and when I picked it up the top 1/2 inch wa still sitting on the counter - perfectly clean break.
ReplyDeleteConnie
Connie: Exactly.
ReplyDeleteArthur--why would the break(s) be so even?
Arthur--why would the break(s) be so even?
ReplyDeleteThat's a quite simple question to answer; I have no idea.
From the New Scientist article you earlier alluded to:
http://www.newscientist.com/backpage.ns?id=mg19125712.100
it sounds like the manufacturing process somehow predisposes the glasses to have a fault there, and one that can propogate extremely quickly and cleanly.
Steve
ReplyDeleteSad to see the glass that I remember , full and empty , so often part of your "conversational gesturing " - almost a part of your hand , Steve!
One good thing is that it looks like you may be able to salvage what remains as a smaller glass ( no good for you or me, of course!)- maybe by having the rim "ground " to make a new edge?
I always put my fine gasses, "base down ", but that way you get more chips( which then need to be ground !). The answer , like all fine things, is to use them , and enjoy them, don't cossett them too much and when they wear up, get another!!- Better used, enjoyed and broken , than in a cupbord as an heirloom ( same for shotguns , as well, of course) - all these artefacts were designed for use, not value appreciation , or hoarding !
JohnnyUK