Handmade High Quality Storm Glass Weather Predictors
What Is a Storm Glass Weather Predictor and What Is a Storm Glass Used For?
The storm glass dates back to the 1700s but gained significant attention in the 1800s, thanks to Admiral Robert FitzRoy. Known for captaining the HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin’s famous voyage, FitzRoy had many talents, including meteorology. He became enamored with using a special blend of chemicals in a sealed glass to predict the weather as an outdoor thermometer/weather station. This device, later known as the FitzRoy storm glass, was adopted by the British Navy and used extensively during the 19th century.
At its core, a storm glass works with a mixture of chemicals such as ethanol, distilled water, ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, and camphor. These chemicals react to environmental changes like temperature and pressure, leading to fascinating crystal formations inside the sealed glass chamber, sort of like a weather bottle.
Despite its naval applications, the storm glass eventually fell out of favor as more accurate meteorological tools were developed. However, it has found a second life as a decorative piece in recent years, appreciated more for its aesthetic qualities and historical significance than its predictive accuracy. Just look at the pictures below! It’s freaking awesome!
Why I Make Storm Glass
I started making storm glass in 2017 and have sold hundreds if not thousands of them at this point. People seem to love them as gifts, and I enjoy making them so it’s a win-win. They look the best when there’s a slight chill in the air as that’s what causes the crystals to grow. For instance, my aunt and uncle love theirs up in the mountains where chilly nights and mornings are common (just keep them out of reach from children!)
It all started at a boating supplies store in Manhattan (weird but true). This was my first “real” job. There was a wall of decorative brass clocks, Galileo thermometers, bells, brass barometers, inclinometers, and at the bottom a tube of liquid that had snow-like crystals inside. I opened the store catalogue and found the contraption, storm glass. I wondered what is a storm glass weather predictor, and quickly forgot about it for a long time.
Eventually, the storm glass on the wall made its way to the store’s window display case.
The storm glass that inspired me
Periodically, I’d watch how it changes with the temperature changes. I can’t express how many customers came to me trying to figure out a good gift for a boater or weather enthusiast. Eventually I started pointing people towards storm glass because it is a unique gift for that someone that ‘has it all’ already. It’s perfect if you have someone who would appreciate weather-related gifts or science-related gifts.
The only downside to the one we sold was it seemed kinda boring, and small, and overly expensive for the size….
So I made my own.
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I was inspired to create storm glass for my own nerdy curiosities, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could make one. After some experimentation, I shared my glass with my family and friends to get their opinions, and the response was overly positive! I had something different. Also, my product is of higher quality than what is offered on the regular market. Taking their feedback seriously, I made a few adjustments and it was time to take Up High Down Below on the road!
Once I made my first glass, I became obsessed with how cool and how much it changed over time. As a semi-pro photographer who likes to take macro pictures, storm glass gave me an ever changing subject that cannot possibly ever be the same. It is why I want to share my passion with the world, because once you place eyes on one in real life you’ll see what a super awesome and intriguing experience it can be!
It is why UpHighDownBelow storm glass has been such a hit on Etsy. If you want to get someone a unique or uncommon gift, especially if the people you’re shopping for have a discerning eye for interesting off the beaten path types of goodies, this is it! I had a friend looking for a unique 30th birthday gift ideas for him… and this fit the bill!
Testimonials
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Michele “Perfect birthday gift for my wife! Shipping time was great and packaging was done well protecting the bottle from damage. Will definitely buy more to give as gifts! Thank you and Be Well!”
Kathleen “My science loving son never saw this gift coming but boy does he love it! He has sat it on his window seal and is intent with observing the changes!”
“This is absolutely beautiful, and came in perfect condition, which is always a concern with this sort of item. It’s exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much!
Christopher “Exactly as pictured/described and it came nicely wrapped and packaged with Jolly Ranchers! I’ll update with pictures once it’s acclimated to my home. Thrilled to finally own one of these! **Updated with pic, but cameras don’t really capture the details. I keep mine inside on a NW window ledge, so I’m observing the formations along with weather forecasts/guide the shop owner sent me until I notice a pattern. Ultimately, I just enjoy seeing the unique formations!”
Luke “This was a birthday present for my dad—a man who has been tracking local weather data in spreadsheets purely for his own interest and enjoyment for longer than I’ve been alive—and he was delighted by it! It arrived a day later than tracking initially led me to believe, but, y’know, pandemic, so that part makes sense. The packaging was super cute, also, and it came with an information sheet! I really love the bottle—the mass produced storm glasses I’ve come across have trended contemporary in aesthetic, but the bottle fits much better with my dad’s more traditional vibe. The size is perfect, too: it looks great on his desk overlooking the deck!”
How To Read a Storm Glass
| Crystal Formation | Weather Prediction |
|---|---|
| Clear Liquid | Clear weather |
| Cloudy Liquid | Cloudy, possibly overcast weather |
| Small Dots in the Liquid | Humid or foggy weather |
| Large Flaky Crystals | Overcast sky, possibly snow in winter |
| Threads of Crystals at the Top | Windy weather |
| Crystals at the Bottom | Frost may be coming |
| Floating Crystals in the Middle | Cloudy and snowy weather |
| All Liquid, No Crystals | Very warm weather, possibly summer conditions |
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PS: I’m giving away a 15% off coupon on my Etsy shop for storm glass. You can click this link and it should apply it to the cart — Click here
Where can I buy a storm glass?
| Description | 100ml Storm Glass | 120ml Storm Glass | 200ml Storm Glass | 900ml Storm Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Check Below | Check Below | Check Below | Check Below |
| White Cap | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Silver Cap | Available | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Black Cap | Available | Available | ✓ | |
| Gold Cap | Available | ✓ | ✓ |
See Our Famous Storm Glass on Etsy!
Is Storm Glass an Accurate Weather Predictor?
To quote Charles Tomlinson in 1863 “I think it may fairly be concluded from these experiments and observations that the storm-glass acts as a rude kind of thermoscope, inferior, for most of the purposes of observation, to the thermometer.”
Charles is right to say that storm weather glass is not an ‘accurate’ weather predictor. If you were to leave the device between a window screen and the window itself and observe it throughout the day, you might notice crystal growth in the morning, clear liquid throughout the day, and more crystal growth at night. This device becomes attuned to the space that it’s in.
How To Calibrate a Storm Glass
Calibrating a storm glass involves ensuring that the device is reading the changes.
To calibrate a storm glass, pop it into a refrigerator for 10-30 minutes and it will come alive. Typically the storm glass will fill with crystals that resemble ‘snow’ flakes, which is one of the coolest bits about owning a storm glass. Once it has been calibrated in the fridge, you can expect a fun show as it warms to the surrounding temperature.
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Is Storm Glass Liquid Dangerous?
Is storm glass dangerous? You probably don’t want to find out. It’s going to really hurt your tummy!
Conclusion: A Blend of History, Science, and Art
While the storm glass may not be the most reliable tool for weather prediction, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of meteorology and the ongoing human quest to understand the natural world. Today, it serves as a decorative item, a conversation starter, and even a somewhat mystical window into the ever-changing atmosphere.
Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or someone who appreciates unique gifts, the storm glass has something to offer. Its blend of history, science, and art makes it a timeless relic that continues to captivate those who encounter it.
So the next time you find yourself wondering about the weather, why not take a moment to appreciate this intriguing device? While it may not replace your weather app, it will undoubtedly add a touch of wonder and historical charm to your day. Want to check out our new site? Click here.
