The material often used to make glass is silica, primarily in the form of silicon dioxide (SiO2). Silica is abundant, found in sand and quartz, and serves as the main ingredient in traditional glass-making processes. The manufacturing of glass typically involves melting silica along with other additives such as soda (sodium carbonate) and lime (calcium oxide) at high temperatures to create a molten glass mixture. Once cooled and solidified, the glass can be molded into various shapes and used for a multitude of applications, including windows, containers, and artistic pieces. The properties of glass, such as transparency and durability, make it a versatile material.