Most glass is made of silica, which is primarily derived from sand. Silica, in its crystalline form, is the key ingredient in the production of glass due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and form a transparent, solid product when melted and cooled. In addition to silica, glass production often involves other ingredients like soda ash and limestone, which can modify the properties of the final product. The glass-making process involves heating these raw materials to about 1700°C (3090°F) to create molten glass, which can be shaped into various forms, from windows to intricate art pieces.