In the manufacture of glass it is essential that the silex should be
perfectly pure, as the slightest mineral taint affects the color.
At first the New England factories got their sand from Demerara,
brought as ballast, and the quality was good. During the War of 1812
this source of supply was cut off, but Plymouth beach provided for the
wants of the manufacturers, until a better sand was discovered at
Morris River, N.J., though not up to the full requirement of the art.
For ten years past, Berkshire County. Mass., has furnished sand; the
best quality is owned by G. W. Gordon, Esq. By thorough washing, and
passing it through fine sieves, and proper packing, he now commands the
market, and delivers it ready for use. The purity has been tested, as
shown by the following extract from a report by Professor A. A. Hayes,
M.D., of Boston, Massachusetts State Assayer, of the result of analyses
of three samples of Berkshire sand, taken from three different
locations owned by Mr. Gordon, viz.:--
"For the manufacture of glass, the slight amount of earth, in mica and
tourmaline, contained in these samples, is of no account, the impurity
being such oxides as color glass. The analyses therefore give only the
proportion of coloring oxides; and, for simplicity of statement, the
total weight of coloring oxide in each sample is determined in one part
or pound.
"Sample B analyses: 4000 parts of this sample contain one part
of oxide of iron.
Sample C analyses: 3333 parts of this sample contain one part
of oxide of iron.
Sample P analyses: 3460 parts of this sample contain one part
of oxide of iron.
"Sample B is equal in purity to the best sand known as a material for
glass, in this or any other country."