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Glitter
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Glitter is the word used to describe an assortment of very small (roughly 1 mm˛) pieces of paper, glass or plastic painted in metallic, neon and iridescent colors to reflect light in a sparkling spectrum. Glitter is usually stored in canisters somewhat similar to salt shakers, which have openings that control the flow of glitter. These canisters may contain one or many colors. It is not to be confused with confetti, which contains larger pieces, nor sequins, which are larger yet.
Glitter is commonly used in craft projects, especially for small children and sorority women, because of the brilliant effects which can be achieved relatively easily.
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Encyclopedia
Glitter is the word used to describe an assortment of very small (roughly 1 mm˛) pieces of paper, glass or plastic painted in metallic, neon and iridescent colors to reflect light in a sparkling spectrum. Glitter is usually stored in canisters somewhat similar to salt shakers, which have openings that control the flow of glitter. These canisters may contain one or many colors. It is not to be confused with confetti, which contains larger pieces, nor sequins, which are larger yet.
Glitter is commonly used in craft projects, especially for small children and sorority women, because of the brilliant effects which can be achieved relatively easily. Glitter is commonly used as an element of Christmas decorations, and can be added to rubbers and plastics. It is also often put into cosmetic products like lip gloss and eyeshadow. Glittery cosmetics are most popular among teenagers, but are also worn by older people, notably in the disco scene.
Glitter was invented by Henry Ruschmann on his Hereford cattle farm in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Accounts conflict as to when glitter was invented--some say 1934 and others shortly after World War II. Today the company he founded is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of glitter and has been for over fifty years.
Alternative definitions
- "Glitter" is often used euphemistically to refer to brilliantly gorgeous but superficial glamour. From this meaning comes the term glitterati to refer to pop stars and socialites.The word is a portmanteau of "glitter" and "literati"
- Similarly, "Glitter" is often used in online communication to describe various symbols and punctuation sometimes included in screennames. Used in this sense, it is usually pejorative.
- Glitter graphics are animated gifs that have a glittery effect.
Forensics
Glitter can be used in criminal forensics, as its distinctive color, size, thickness, materials and patterns can link perpetrators to victims or locations.
Concerns
Because of its small size and durable nature, glitter is a persistent environmental pollutant. Glitter is commonly made from copolymer plastics, aluminum foil, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, bismuth oxychloride and other materials. These materials are not readily biodegradable. Being heavier than water, they sink to the bottom of waterways and contribute to toxic sludges. Most glitter is used only briefly by humans. At the end of each use it is showered off, entering waste water systems, or swept up for disposal in landfill. Glitter is not recovered or recycled in any way, 100% of consumption ends up as waste within a short period. Because of its small size, down to 15 micrometres, glitter is often lost or spread by humans throughout their environment. Use of current formulations of glitter is not sustainable in the long term, as ongoing accumulation of its pollutants in waterways will have increasing effects on microorganisms inhabiting sea and river beds. Insects and other small organisms are unable to deal with glitter, as it is inedible. Larger creatures can ingest it involuntarily, allowing it to enter the food chain. Because of its metallic nature, static electricity effects can cause it to stick body parts or habitats. Some of the oxides glitter is made with can be reactive when combined with other waste streams, particularly in water. Glitter has very sharp, hard, edges which are uncommon in nature, are also a problem for very small life. When the same material as glitter occurs in industrial situations as swarf, it is considered a hazardous contaminant, for which extensive safety measures are required. Micro pollutants in animal bloodstreams can have significant health effects.
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