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Different Grades of Amber Glassware

Used as storage facilities in laboratories and hospitals, amber glass is the preferred storage silicate for its ability to block light that contaminates, accelerates or otherwise damages the substances stored in the bottles. The glass is also very dexterous, with longevity that rivals other tempered and compound glass.

Identification
- Referring directly to the quality of the glass, in respect to its uses, the grade is a widely recognized standard to describe how well-suited a glass product is for use in a particular field. Each grade corresponds to the scientific or laboratorial application of this product in various environments. The grades are not numbered, but rather identified by the standard established for the industry utilizing the glassware.
Designation
- According to chemistry and pharmaceutical grade specifications, seven standards exist for amber glass. In order from highest to lowest the grades are: ACS units, reagent purity, USP Types I, II and III, NF level, lab grade, purified and technical. The abbreviated grades signify, for example, that the United States Pharmacopeia accepts amber glass with a USP type I grade as the initial standard accepted for storage use within that organization.
Manufacturing
- Though all amber glass is essentially made of the same materials, the grades correspond with logistics and performance requirements provided by a company. The components of that grade are then customizable to the specific job or activity.

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