Glitter refers to a broad spectrum of small, reflective powders that can be found in many different colors and shapes. Usually, glitter particles tend to reflect light at many different angles. Therefore, the surfaces they are glued onto tend to shine or shine. Basically glitter is like sequins, sparkles or confetti. The difference is that the particles are relatively smaller. In this article, we are going to talk about the history and uses of glitter powder. Keep reading to know more.

Since ancient times, people have been using different materials to make glowing powder, such as mica, malachite, glass, and insects. Today, it is made of plastic. Also, it is no longer recycled.

modern shine

For the first time, the production of the material began in 1934. Henry Ruschmann, the American machinist, devised a method of cutting plastic sheets such as powdered mylar. During World War II, crystal brilliance was not available. Therefore, Ruschmann used plastic waste as an alternative to glass.

The machinist started a company called Meadowbrook Inventions Inc in New Jersey. Interestingly, the company still produces industrial glitter. A few decades later, the machinist filed a patent for the method he used for production.

We now have over 20,000 different types of glitter. You can find it in a large number of materials, sizes and colors. Apart from this, more than 4.5 million KG of glitter powder was purchased between 1989 and 2009. The size of commercial glitter ranges from 0.25 to 0.002 inches.

In the process, multi-layer flat sheets are produced through a combination of color, plastic, and reflective material such as bismuth oxychloride, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum. The leaves are then cut into small particles of different shapes, such as hexagons, rectangles, triangles, and squares.

Applications

Before today’s glittery fabric making, manufacturers used sequins to accomplish the same purpose. Also, gum arabic and a few other ingredients are used to make edible glitter.

In cosmetics, these reflective particles are used to give shine or shine to the nails and the face. Also, it is used in the field of arts and crafts to add color and texture to different items. Often the tiny particles stick to skin, furniture, and clothing. You may find it difficult to remove it from your coagulation. Often the particles are stuck on different fishing lures to attract the fish.

Since glitter dust has its own set of unique characteristics, it is used in forensic labs as evidence. Investigators find them useful in finding out if the suspect was present at the crime scene.

Edwin Jones, a forensic scientist, has a large collection of glitter that includes more than 1,000 samples. These particles move from one place to another through touch or through the air. Other than this, they stick to body parts and clothing without anyone noticing.

So this was a brief introduction to the history of glitter powder and how it can be used in today’s world.