Zinc silicate crystals grow inside a fluid glaze when zinc, silica, and fluxes reach certain temperature windows. Each recipe balances the chemistry so the glaze stays molten long enough for crystals to nucleate, stretch, and feather out across the surface.
I spent years iterating on glaze tests, dialing in raw materials and firing schedules with carefully staged ramps, long holds, and controlled cool-downs. Every kiln cycle becomes an experiment in chemistry, revealing the adjustments needed to coax the next successful batch.