Corning Incorporated
TRANSPARENT BETA-QUARTZ GLASS CERAMICS

Abstract:

A transparent .beta.-quartz glass ceramic is provided. The glass ceramic includes a primary crystal phase including a .beta.-quartz solid solution, a secondary crystal phase including tetragonal ZrO.sub.2, and a lithium aluminosilicate amorphous phase. The glass ceramic may be ion exchanged utilizing molten nitrate salt baths. Methods for producing the glass ceramic are also provided.