We have experimented with glass admixtures with various metals for over a decade, some with surprising results. Some glass-metal admixtures cause the glass to glow, some bump up the output, some produce fantastic colors.
Our 24k Gold doped electrodes are created with our heavy quartz glass and real 24k gold. The combination of the quartz glass and pure 24k gold produce a glass that is deep in color and yet has a rich golden metallic sheen over it. The color of the glass shifts from red to violet to gold metallic as you turn it in different lighting. Holding it up to the light, the glass will appear purple and red. With the light shining on it, then it becomes metallic, the metal is noticeable and it will appear made of gold. Metallicized or silvered electrodes were once highly desirable electrodes and we’ve done it better by using pure 24k gold.
Because there is a conductive metal added to the glass, the glass itself is conductive. You can touch the electrode and it will still spark to you. In other words, it will not ‘ground out’ as you play. You can touch skin, rub or massage with it, and even use this electrode internally. Even while it touches skin, you will still feel sparks due to the fact that this glass has been made conductive with the addition of the metal. It is a strong electrode due to the addition of the gold. It will also get warm to the touch.
This electrode is made out of our medical grade quartz glass, so it can be inserted and used as an internal electrode. You understand you are familiar with internal electrodes and understand the safety and care considerations of an electrode that heats up and provides full strength sparks even while it is in contact with skin. The glow from the gas inside is darker than in regular clear glass electrodes. The neon red is a dull lava-like glow and the violet argon is a darkened twilight. They have a very wide discharge corona.
This isn’t just for ‘fun’ or appearance. Gold is an excellent electrical conductor so this is a very conductive violet wand electrode with the strongest output available for a glass electrode. Though it does make for a beautiful piece of art glass as well.
