Which glass type is specifically designed to protect samples from light while providing reasonable thermal stability?

• A. Borosilicate
• B. Aluminosilicate
• C. High silica
• D. Low actinic glass

Answer: (D)

Protecting samples from light while keeping decent heat tolerance comes from glass designed to block actinic wavelengths. Low actinic glass is colored to minimize transmission of UV and blue light, which drives photo-driven degradation in light-sensitive samples. At the same time, its structure provides enough thermal stability for routine handling and storage, so samples aren’t compromised by ordinary temperatures. Other common lab glasses, like borosilicate, are prized for thermal resistance and chemical durability but are clear and let light through, so they don’t offer this light protection. High silica and aluminosilicate glasses focus more on strength or heat resistance rather than shielding against light. Thus, low actinic glass best meets the need.