Pyrex changed its formula. Crack cocaine manufacturers can't use it now because it shatters.


Pyrex used to be borosilicate glass. Adding boron changes the atomic structure of glass so it stays roughly the same size regardless of its temperature.

Little thermal expansion means little stress. Thus borosilicate glass withstands heat not because it’s stronger, but because it doesn’t need to be stronger.

When Corning sold the Pyrex Division to World Kitchen, they changed to prestressed sodium silicate glass, which is tougher, but doesn't withstand sudden extreme temperature changes as well.

The manufacture of crack cocaine involves a container of water undergoing a rapid temperature change to converted the drug from powder form to a crystal.

Now drug manufacturers are forced to buy labware instead of using cheap household Pyrex cookware.

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