glitter

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Glittering surfaces have been found to be used since prehistoric times in the arts and in cosmetics. The modern English word "glitter" comes from the Middle English word gliteren, possibly by way of the Old Norse word glitra.{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glitter|title=Definition of GLITTER|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en|access-date=March 30, 2017|archive-date=July 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708030730/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glitter|url-status=live}} However, as early as 30,000 years ago, mica flakes were used to give cave paintings a glittering appearance. Prehistoric humans are believed to have used cosmetics,{{cite web | title=Neanderthal 'make-up' containers discovered | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8448660.stm | date=January 9, 2010 | website=BBC News | access-date=September 22, 2013 | archive-date=June 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620201424/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8448660.stm | url-status=live }} made of powdered hematite, a sparkling mineral.{{cite web | title=The History of Glitter | url=http://the2aunties.blogspot.com/2010/03/history-of-glitter.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205221211/http://the2aunties.blogspot.de/2010/03/history-of-glitter.html | archive-date=December 5, 2012 | publisher=Auntie Illumi | access-date=November 12, 2012 | url-status=live }}

The Ancient Egyptians produced "glitter-like substances from crushed beetles" as well as finely ground green malachite crystal. Researchers believe Mayan temples were sometimes painted with red, green, and grey glitter paint made from mica dust, based on infrared scans of the remnants of paint still found on the structures in present-day Guatemala.{{Cite web|url = http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080207-maya-temple.html|title = Ancient Maya Used "Glitter" Paint to Make Temple Gleam|access-date = December 12, 2013|publisher = National Geographic|date = February 7, 2008|last = Hansford|first = Dave|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130606010101/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080207%2Dmaya%2Dtemple.html|url-status = dead|archive-date=2013-06-06}}

People of the Americas 8,000 years ago were using powdered galena, a form of lead, to produce a bright greyish-white glittering paint used for objects of adornment.{{Cite book|title = Archaeology of Prehistoric Native America: An Encyclopedia|last = Gibbon|first = Guy E.|publisher = Routledge|date = August 1, 1998|isbn = 978-0-8153-0725-9 |pages = [https://archive.org/details/archaeologyofpre0000unse/page/310 310]|editor-last = Ames|editor-first = Kenneth M.|url = https://archive.org/details/archaeologyofpre0000unse/page/310}} The collecting and surface mining of galena was prevalent in the Upper Mississippi Valley region by the Cahokia native peoples, for regional trade both raw and crafted into beads or other objects.

File:Glitter_nail_polish_under_the_microscope,_magnification_x100.jpg

The first production of modern plastic glitter is credited to the American machinist Henry F. Ruschmann who invented a machine to cut photo films and paper in the 1930s. Sometimes, the machine "stuttered," generating small pieces of glossy cellulose that employees picked up and used as "snow" to decorate their Christmas trees, and modern glitter was born.{{cite web| url=https://cloud.3dissue.net/33877/33789/34113/65301/index.html| author=Robert Seeley, Henry W. Ruschmann| title=The Discovery, Development of Glitter| publisher=Paper Film & Foil Converter (PPFC.online.com)| year=2021| volume=21| number=12| page=18-20| accessdate=February 22, 2022| archive-date=February 22, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222211635/https://cloud.3dissue.net/33877/33789/34113/65301/index.html| url-status=dead}} With his partner, Harry Goetz, Ruschmann cut mica into washers and glitter from metallized cellulose acetate film. During World War II, glass glitter became unavailable, so Ruschmann found a market for scrap plastics, which were ground into glitter.{{cite web | title=All That Glitters: The History of Shiny Things | url=http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/all-that-glitters-the-history-of-shiny-things | publisher=Etsy.com | access-date=November 12, 2012 | archive-date=August 2, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802073935/http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/all-that-glitters-the-history-of-shiny-things/ | url-status=live }} In 1943, he purchased Meadowbrook Farm in Bernardsville, New Jersey where he founded Meadowbrook Farm Inventions (MFI) in 1948 to produce industrial glitter.{{ cite web | title=Company Information | url=http://www.meadowbrookglitter.com/hiband/company.html | publisher=Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc. | access-date=November 12, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927103822/http://www.meadowbrookglitter.com/hiband/company.html |archive-date=2013-09-27 }} MFI became Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc. in 1953. Ruschmann filed a patent for a mechanism for cross-cutting films as well as other glitter-related inventions.{{cite web|url = https://patents.google.com/patent/US3156283?oq=Henry+Ruschmann|title = Operating upon sheets of foil{{snd}}US 3156283 A|access-date = December 14, 2013|archive-date = April 12, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160412175134/https://www.google.com/patents/US3156283?dq=Henry+Ruschmann&hl=en&sa=X&ei=uAWsUpGJFY3xoAT66IHgBw&ved=0CF8Q6AEwBg|url-status = live}} Substrates for cutting glitter expanded from metalized cellulose and aluminum foil to metalized and iridescent film, polyester, PVC, and laminations cut into various shapes.

Today over 20,000 varieties of glitter are manufactured in a vast number of different colors, sizes, and materials.{{cite web | title=90 Seconds with Meadowbrook | url=http://www.meadowbrookinventions.com/common/presentation/presentation.html | publisher=Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc. | access-date=November 12, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102091454/http://www.meadowbrookinventions.com/common/presentation/presentation.html | archive-date=January 2, 2013 | url-status=dead }} One estimate suggests {{convert|10|e6lb|e6kg|abbr=off}} of glitter was either purchased or produced between the years of 1989 and 2009, however the source{{Cite news|url=http://www.cuttothetrace.com/2018/02/lets-talk-glitter/|title=Let's Talk About Glitter!|first=Sara|last=Wagner|date=February 8, 2018|work=Cut to the Trace|access-date=October 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021232546/http://www.cuttothetrace.com/2018/02/lets-talk-glitter/|url-status=live}} provides no evidence or reference point. Commercial glitter ranges in size from {{convert|0.002|to|.25|in|mm|2}}{{ cite web | title=Glitter and Sequins Sizing and Shaping | url=http://www.meadowbrookglitter.com/hiband/size-chart.html | publisher=Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc. | access-date=November 12, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927103825/http://www.meadowbrookglitter.com/hiband/size-chart.html | archive-date=2013-09-27 }} a side. First, flat multi-layered sheets are produced combining plastic, coloring, and reflective material such as aluminium, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and bismuth oxychloride. A common plastic is PET plastic, but mica can be used.{{cite news |last1=Rodriguez-Blanco |first1=Juan Diego |last2=Zubovic |first2=Kristina Petra |title=Glitter's sparkle hides a darker side – it can change the chemistry of our oceans |url=https://theconversation.com/glitters-sparkle-hides-a-darker-side-it-can-change-the-chemistry-of-our-oceans-255155 |work=The Conversation |date=2 May 2025 }} These sheets are then cut into tiny particles of many shapes, including squares, triangles, rectangles, and hexagons.

{{Multiple image|image1 = Glitter_nail_polish_(purple).jpg|caption1 = Glitter nail polish|image2 = Angeln_zubehoer_wobbler_01.jpg|caption2 = Iridescent fishing lures|align = right|width1 = 339}}

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Before fabrics made with modern glitter, sequins were sewn or woven onto fabric to give it a glittering appearance. Edible glitter made from gum arabic and other ingredients is even used by culinary artists.{{Cite news|url=https://www.eater.com/2018/2/14/17008460/edible-glitter-non-toxic-glitter-explained|title=Should You Really Be Eating Edible Glitter?|first=Caroline|last=Weinberg|date=2018-02-14|work=Eater|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-date=June 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609072525/https://www.eater.com/2018/2/14/17008460/edible-glitter-non-toxic-glitter-explained|url-status=live}}

Glitter is used in cosmetics to make the face and nails shiny or sparkly. After the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, the use of microbeads in toothpaste and other "rinse-off" cosmetics has been discontinued in the US;{{Cite web|title=What Are Microbeads In Toothpaste?|url=https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/what-are-microbeads-in-toothpaste|work=Colgate|date=|access-date=November 28, 2022|archive-date=September 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927080638/https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/what-are-microbeads-in-toothpaste|url-status=live}} since 2015 the industry has shifted toward using FDA-approved "rinse-off" metallized-plastic glitter as their primary abrasive agent instead.{{Cite news|author=Caity Weaver|title=What Is Glitter? A strange journey to the glitter factory.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/style/glitter-factory.html|work=The New York Times|date=December 21, 2018|access-date=November 28, 2022|archive-date=December 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211060608/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/style/glitter-factory.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|author=Trisha Bartle|title=TikTok Is Going Deep On The Glitter Conspiracy Theories–Is It Toothpaste, Boats, Or Something Else?|url=https://collective.world/tiktok-is-going-deep-on-the-glitter-conspiracy-theories-is-it-toothpaste-boats-or-something-else/|work=Collective World|date=October 17, 2022|access-date=November 28, 2022|archive-date=December 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053622/https://collective.world/tiktok-is-going-deep-on-the-glitter-conspiracy-theories-is-it-toothpaste-boats-or-something-else/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|author=Dr. Beccy Corkill|title=The Glitter Conspiracy Theory: Who Is Taking All Of The Glitter?|url=https://www.iflscience.com/the-glitter-conspiracy-theory-who-is-taking-all-of-the-glitter-66761|work=IFLScience|date=December 21, 2022|access-date=January 18, 2023|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110181249/https://www.iflscience.com/the-glitter-conspiracy-theory-who-is-taking-all-of-the-glitter-66761|url-status=live}}

Glitter is commonly used in arts and crafts to color, accessorise and texture items. The small, brightly colored particles often stick to clothing, skin, and furniture and can be difficult to remove. It is also used in optically variable inks.

Glitter coatings or finishes are frequently used on fishing lures to draw attention by simulating the scales of prey fish.{{Cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US2547240?oq=glitter|title=Fishing lure{{snd}}Patent US 2547240 A|access-date=December 13, 2013|archive-date=April 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421043957/https://www.google.com/patents/US2547240?dq=glitter&hl=en&sa=X&ei=MmKqUsarEum4yAHy9oCwBA&ved=0CDcQ6AEwADge|url-status=live}}

Due to its unique characteristics, glitter has also proven to be useful forensic evidence. Because of the tens of thousands of different commercial glitters, identical glitter particles can be compelling evidence that a suspect has been at a crime scene. Forensic scientist Edwin Jones has one of the largest collections of glitter, consisting of over 1,000 different samples used in comparison to samples taken from crime scenes. Glitter particles are easily transferred through the air or by touch yet cling to bodies and clothing, often unnoticed by suspects.{{cite web | title=Glitter as Forensic Evidence | url=http://projects.nfstc.org/trace/docs/final/Blackledge_Glitter.pdf | publisher=National Forensic Science Technology Center | first=Bob | last=Blackledge | date=2007 | access-date=November 12, 2012 | archive-date=March 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320110530/https://projects.nfstc.org/trace/docs/final/Blackledge_Glitter.pdf | url-status=live }}

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Glitter can be seen as a tool of fashion used by various subcultures, as it allows for a visible statement to be worn and seen on the body. This is because it has been theorized to be a "flickering signifier", or something that destabilizes known notions of popular culture, identity, and society.{{sfn|White|2015|p={{pn|date=May 2025}}}} Glitter is associated with "fringe cultures", which often use excessive glitz and glamor (such as glitter) to evoke a deeper understanding between the relationships of commercialized popular culture and "high" culture, or "high-brow" art.{{Cite journal|url=https://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onlinessays/JC42folder/FringeCultures.html|title=Fringe cultures|first=Gina|last=Marchetti|journal=Jump Cut|number=42|date=December 1998|pages=58–60|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805204958/http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onlinessays/JC42folder/FringeCultures.html|url-status=live}}

Used by glam rockers, such as David Bowie, Gary Glitter, and Iggy Pop as a tool to help blur gender lines helped to create the more extreme "glitter rock" – an even more heightened version of glam rock.{{cite book |editor1-last=Bogdanov |editor1-first=Vladimir |editor2-last=Woodstra |editor2-first=Chris |editor3-last=Erlewine |editor3-first=Stephen Thomas |title=All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul |date=2002 |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |isbn=978-0-87930-653-3 |oclc=49225452 }}{{pn|date=May 2025}}

Glitter is also used by nail artists and make-up artists to make statements about femininity and beauty standards. The flashy, sparkling nature of glitter allows users to push standard ideas of beauty and what is and is not considered "excessive" in terms of make-up. Glitter is usually associated with nightlife and not professionalism, but wearing it in different settings can push these boundaries.{{sfn|White|2015|p={{pn|date=May 2025}}}}

Because it tends to shed off items it is applied to and stick onto unwanted surfaces, including skin, hair, and clothes, glitter is also used for glitter bombing, which is an act of protest in which activists throw glitter on people at public events.Vinciguerra, Thomas (August 27, 2011). [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/opinion/sunday/glitter-a-kinder-gentler-prank.html Glittering Rage.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322002107/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/opinion/sunday/glitter-a-kinder-gentler-prank.html |date=March 22, 2017 }} The New York Times Glitter bombers have frequently been motivated by, though not limited to, their targets' opposition to same-sex marriage.{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110620/pl_yblog_theticket/glitter-advocates-plot-their-next-victim|title='Glitter advocates' plot their next victim|last=Moody|first=Chris|date=June 20, 2011|newspaper=Yahoo! News|access-date=October 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624230133/https://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110620/pl_yblog_theticket/glitter-advocates-plot-their-next-victim|archive-date=2011-06-24}} Some legal officials argue glitter bombing is technically assault and battery. Glitter can enter the eyes or nose and cause damage to the cornea or other soft tissues potentially irritating them or leading to infection,{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/capital-living/in-the-know/105464-eye-doctor-warns-of-dangers-%e2%80%a8of-political-protest-%e2%80%a8on-gay-%e2%80%a8marriage/|title=Eye doctor warns of dangers of political protest on gay marriage|last=Kurtz|first=Judy|date=February 8, 2012|newspaper=The Hill|access-date=April 16, 2024|archive-date=December 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200915/https://thehill.com/capital-living/in-the-know/105464-eye-doctor-warns-of-dangers-%E2%80%A8of-political-protest-%E2%80%A8on-gay-%E2%80%A8marriage/|url-status=live}} depending on the size of the glitter. Whether a prosecutor would pursue the charges depends on a number of factors.{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/print-edition/2011/09/02/all-that-glitters-is-not-gold-in-the.html|title=All that glitters is not gold, in the eyes of legal system|last=van der Pool|first=Lisa|date=September 2, 2011|newspaper=Boston Business Journal|access-date=November 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929222224/http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/print-edition/2011/09/02/all-that-glitters-is-not-gold-in-the.html|archive-date=2011-09-29|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}

Trisia Farrelly, an environmental anthropologist at Massey University, has called for a ban on glitter made of polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and aluminum, as it is a microplastic that can leach hormonal disruptors into the environment. Furthermore, plastic glitter takes about one thousand years to biodegrade, according to Victoria Miller, a materials and engineering scientist at North Carolina State University.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/style/glitter-factory.html|title=What Is Glitter?|last=Weaver|first=Caity|date=December 21, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 1, 2019 |archive-date=December 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211060608/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/style/glitter-factory.html|url-status=live}} When dozens of British music festivals pledged to ban single-use plastics by 2021, the proposed ban included plastic glitter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/beauty/music-festivals-ban-glitter-microbeads-microplastic-a3812661.html|title=61 UK festivals are banning glitter - make the switch to eco sparkle|first=Chloe|last=Street|work=Evening Standard|access-date=October 23, 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023195758/https://www.standard.co.uk/beauty/music-festivals-ban-glitter-microbeads-microplastic-a3812661.html|url-status=live}}

Biodegradable glitter made from eucalyptus tree extract is metaled with aluminium and can be coloured.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/42038411/the-eco-friendly-guide-to-glitter|title=The eco-friendly guide to glitter|date=November 18, 2017|website=BBC Newsbeat|language=en-GB|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030033209/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/42038411/the-eco-friendly-guide-to-glitter|url-status=live}} It is "40% softer and more delicate on the skin than conventional glitter," and it decomposes in soil or water. Cellulose glitter is also available.{{cite web |last1=Bramley |first1=Ellie Violet |title=Losing its sparkle: the dark side of glitter |url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2018/jan/21/losing-its-sparkle-the-dark-side-of-glitter |website=The Guardian |access-date=January 26, 2019 |date=January 21, 2018}}

According to Chris Flower, director-general of the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association, "the total contribution to marine plastic litter from glittery cosmetic products is negligible when compared to the damaging effects of bags and bottles... [While the] total effect of giving up traditional glitter might not be great compared to other harmful plastics, we should still do everything we can."{{Cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/style/could-festivals-ban-glitter-heres-why-its-time-to-switch-to-biodegradable-sparkle/ar-AAvWHg3?li=AA2FOLs|title=Could festivals ban glitter? Here's why it's time to switch to biodegradable sparkle|first=Chloe|last=Street|date=April 16, 2018|work=Evening Standard|via=MSN|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050746/https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/style/could-festivals-ban-glitter-heres-why-its-time-to-switch-to-biodegradable-sparkle/ar-AAvWHg3?li=AA2FOLs|archive-date=2019-01-02}}

Since October 2023, some types of glitter have been restricted in the European Union as part of a ban on microplastics intentionally added to products.{{Cite web |title=Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 - Restriction of microplastics intentionally added to products |url=https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/commission-regulation-eu-20232055-restriction-microplastics-intentionally-added-products_en |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu |language=en |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027104948/https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/commission-regulation-eu-20232055-restriction-microplastics-intentionally-added-products_en |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Niranjan |first1=Ajit |title=EU to crack down further on microplastics after glitter ban |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/17/eu-to-crack-down-further-on-microplastics-after-glitter-ban |work=The Guardian |date=17 October 2023 }}{{cite book |doi=10.1002/9780470166932.ch1 |chapter=All that Glitters is Gold! |title=Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge |date=2007 |last1=Blackledge |first1=Robert D. |last2=Jones |first2=Edwin L. |pages=1–32 |isbn=978-0-471-71644-0 |chapter-url={{GBurl|wt5qQslgpV0C|p=1}} }}

• Glitterex

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |doi=10.4324/9781315773049 |title=Producing Women: The Internet, Traditional Femininity, Queerness, and Creativity |date=2015 |last1=White |first1=Michele |isbn=978-1-317-68024-6 |oclc=889666420 }}

• {{cite journal |last1=Tagg |first1=Alexander S. |last2=Ivar do Sul |first2=Juliana A. |title=Is this your glitter? An overlooked but potentially environmentally-valuable microplastic |journal=Marine Pollution Bulletin |date=September 2019 |volume=146 |pages=50–53 |doi=10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.068 |pmid=31426186 |bibcode=2019MarPB.146...50T }}
• {{cite journal |last1=Zanini |first1=Maria Luiza de Oliveira |last2=Fonseca |first2=Laura Martins |last3=Piecha |first3=Camila Rios |last4=Corrêa |first4=Caroline de Paula Lopes |last5=Dode |first5=Luciana Bicca |last6=Zavareze |first6=Elessandra da Rosa |last7=Diaz |first7=Patrícia Silva |title=A Review of Conventional and Environmentally Sustainable Glitter |journal=Environmental Quality Management |date=December 2024 |volume=34 |issue=2 |doi=10.1002/tqem.22322 |bibcode=2024EnvQM..34E2322Z }}
• {{cite journal |last1=Green |first1=Dannielle Senga |last2=Jefferson |first2=Megan |last3=Boots |first3=Bas |last4=Stone |first4=Leon |title=All that glitters is litter? Ecological impacts of conventional versus biodegradable glitter in a freshwater habitat |journal=Journal of Hazardous Materials |date=January 2021 |volume=402 |pages=124070 |doi=10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124070 |pmid=33254837 |bibcode=2021JHzM..40224070G }}

{{commons category|Glitter}}

Category:Visual arts materials

Category:Crafts

Category:Cosmetics