Rhinestone

Rhinestone ( also Stras ) denotes glass stones from leaded glass flux ( e-mail) that are used since the 18th century as imitations of diamonds. Previously, these were referred to as simili, nor as rhinestone, because crystals of the Rhine were used as the first diamond imitations in English today. " STRASS " since 1996 is registered trademark of Swarovski AG

Rhinestone similar in luster and color variance approximately the diamonds, but without owning their refractive index and hardness.

History

In the 18th century, was at the court of Louis XV. a great demand for jewelery, which greatly promoted the spread of the stones. The Alsatian jeweler Georg Friedrich Strass and inventor (French: Georges Frédéric rhinestone) ( 1701-1773 ) devoted himself from 1730 in a private operation in Paris especially the production of diamond imitations. He had so great success and was allowed since 1734 jeweler of the king's name.

The term pierres de strass ( "Stones of Strass" ) became common in German-speaking countries in the abbreviation " Strass" as a synonym for diamond imitations one.

In addition, ground lead crystal glass for chandelier crystals referred to as Strass.

Material properties

The rhinestone has a Mohs hardness of 5 and contains red lead (PbO ), which prevents annoying green color of the glass. The stone base is mostly covered with a reflective layer coated ( laminated ), which, in conjunction with the faceting to a rich light refraction.

Colorless Rhinestones can be steamed with metal oxides, leading by refraction and interference of light at the interface with an iridescent play of colors. Multi-colored rhinestones that are polished and mirrored on the back are also referred to as a rhinestone. However, this term is misleading because it actually represents a variety of the mineral quartz or rock crystal, which are found as pebbles in the unrolled entrained debris of the Rhine.

Use

Rhinestone is used today as a fashion jewelry and stocking of clothes.

A further development of rhinestones are hot- glue rhinestones. These are marked on the back with a thermal adhesive, which liquefies at about 120 ° C and bonds by placing the carrier. Through this development Rhinestones can be easily ironed on or applied. Is generally applied hot glue on fabric, wood, suede and porous surfaces. Not suitable it is for smooth surfaces such as plastic.

Very popular is this type of material in the textile industry for competition dance and costume design.