The mineral primarily used to make glass is silica, often found in the form of quartz. Silica is a key component in glass production, serving as the source of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) that forms the basic structure of glass. The process of making glass typically involves melting silica sand at high temperatures along with other additives such as soda ash and limestone. These additions help to lower the melting point and improve the durability of the final product. Glass manufacturing is a significant industry, resulting in various types of glass used for construction, packaging, and artistic purposes.