There are a few different types of glass used in lampworking, and your project will determine what type of glass you want to use.
Soda-lime glass is the most popular type of glass and also the original formula used in traditional Venetian glass. It is also known as “soft glass.”
Borosilicate glass is a very hard glass that requires greater heat than soft glass. It was discovered by German glassmaker Otto Schott in the late 19th century when heading boron to the soft glass formula. Pyrex is the most commonly used borosilicate glass. It is an easier glass to learn with as it stays harder during the flameworking process. For beginning students, the fluidity of soft glass can present a challenge when learning on the torch.