What are glass tesserae?

Glass tesserae refer to the small pieces of glass that are specifically cut or broken into geometric shapes to be used in the creation of mosaics. Mosaics are artworks composed of many individual pieces, and the term "tesserae" is derived from the Latin word meaning "small cube," which is fitting due to the small and often cube-like even shapes these pieces take.

When artists use glass tesserae, they take advantage of the light-reflecting properties of glass, which adds a vibrant and luminous quality to the artwork. These pieces can come in various colors and finishes, allowing for a wide range of artistic expression in mosaic work. The choice to use glass as opposed to other materials, such as stone or tile, enhances the visual dynamics of the final piece, creating stunning effects that can transform the overall impact of the design.

The other options describe different types of glass or uses for glass but do not accurately capture the definition of tesserae specifically in the context of mosaics. Large sheets of glass are not appropriate for mosaics, and glass-blowing techniques and molded glass are unrelated to the specific use of small, geometric pieces for mosaic art.