Shootersize

[Mojo]

Vitro 

But what is the copper ish tint mixed in the base glass ??

And what kind of Vitro is this ??

[Al Oregon]

I have had a couple like that - metallic - maybe just Vitro Brushed Patch.

[wvrons]

It  is probably copper. Not in the base glass, it is on or near the surface. Which is most common with metallics.  

[akroorka]

 

I also have found marbles with some metallic or other “dirty” smears on them and have wondered if it could be “pollution” from the manufacturing process. Lubrication, cleaning, wiping down, the occasional bird dropping and other foolishness that gets into bored workers heads. I have worked in a few manufacturing facilities in years past and some weird things happened when the supervisor stepped out for a smoke.

I wonder if any metallic marbles have ever been tested for lead contamination?

These of course are my personal mental wanderings with no proof whatsoever. Just the weird ramblings of a Marblehead.

Marble-on!!

[wvrons]

There are many types of contamination in the scrap glass cullet used and also around the furnace and machine. But the majority burns up with temperatures from 1000 to 2000F. Most any lube, cleaning or wiping down residue will burn away almost instantly.  I think there are a few chemicals used in the glass that can cause odd smears on the surface of the glass. Different chemicals are or can be used by some to enhance the color, etc. Some marbles are made from nothing but the cullet and added colors. But some marbles do have extra additional chemicals added in the process. Glass is not all the same. Different glass requires different methods. The Alox machine had small holes wore in the rolls and repaired by filling them with copper. This copper repair will eventually wear off on the marbles as the copper is much softer that the rolls hardened cast steel rolls.  

[akroorka]

"The Alox machine had small holes wore in the rolls and repaired by filling them with copper."

That any one in modern times would even know such a thing just blows my mind.

Thanks Ron for sharing all that you do.