All About Fire Glass

Fire glass is a unique and stunning alternative to traditional fire media, offering a modern, sophisticated look for fireplaces and fire pits. Made from tempered glass, it’s designed to withstand high temperatures and reflect the fire’s light, creating a mesmerizing display. Fire glass is more effective than other fire media, such as ceramic logs or lava rock, as it allows heat to radiate more efficiently, while remaining durable and visually striking.

Benefits of Fire Glass:

  • Heat Efficiency: Fire glass allows more heat to radiate from the fire, providing warmth unimpeded by traditional fire media.
  • Durability: Unlike ceramic logs or lava rock, fire glass will not melt, pop, fade, or emit toxic gases when used correctly in fires under 1500°F.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Available in various colors and shapes, fire glass sparkles and glitters, reflecting the fire’s light to create a stunning visual effect.

Is the quality of all fire glass the same?

No, fire glass quality varies by brand. Cheaper fire glass on the market may contain impurities that can cause it to melt, crack, discolor, or even pop out of the fire pit, making it unsafe. Additionally, lower-quality fire glass may have sharp edges, making it uncomfortable or dangerous to handle.

At Starfire Direct, we offer Starfire Glass, a top-of-the-line brand that is designed to withstand extremely high temperatures. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is guaranteed not to fade, melt, crack, or pop. Remember, fire glass can pop if it’s wet, so always make sure it’s completely dry before use.

What is 'reflective' fire glass?

Reflective fire glass has a unique, shiny finish that enhances its visual appeal. Depending on the shape:

  • Standard reflective fire glass: Features a mirrored finish on one side, which reflects the firelight, making it sparkle and shine more than non-reflective glass.
  • Fire diamonds and drops: These are dipped in a reflective coating, adding even more brilliance to the fire feature.

What does 1/4" and 1/2" refer to in fire glass sizing?

The 1/4" and 1/2" sizes refer to the thickness of the fire glass, not the width. These measurements represent the thickness of the glass before it was broken into pieces or shaped into beads or diamonds. For example, 1/2" fire glass includes various widths, but all pieces will be 1/2" thick.

Does fire glass ever burn or discolor?

No, Starfire Glass is designed to withstand the high temperatures of gas fire pits or gas fireplaces without melting or discoloring. It doesn’t produce harmful fumes or smoke, making it a safe and reliable choice. However, fire glass should not be used in wood-burning fireplaces or fire pits—it must be used with gas or propane-fueled fires.

How much fire glass do I need?

The amount of fire glass you need depends on the size of your fireplace or fire pit. To make this easier, use our Fire Glass Calculator to determine the exact amount required for your setup.