Corning Gorilla Glass

Gorilla Glass is a brand of strengthened glass made by Corning, used to cover screens and some backs on phones, tablets and watches. Several versions exist, each with its own name or number, such as Victus and Armor.

How it works

The glass is made stronger by a chemical process called ion exchange. It is placed in a hot bath of molten salt, where smaller sodium ions near the surface swap places with larger potassium ions. The larger ions press tightly against each other and leave the surface under compression. A crack then finds it harder to start and spread.

What the versions mean

Newer versions are made for better drop resistance, scratch resistance or both. Corning sets out the claims for each version from its own laboratory tests, for example how many drops onto a rough surface the glass survives.

What it does not promise

Gorilla Glass is resistant, not unbreakable. It does not stop cracks from sharp impacts or drops on hard corners, and it does not stop scratches from hard grit such as sand. It covers only the glass, not the frame of the phone or the screen panel underneath.