Glass is thermal-shock resistant, meaning it can withstand sudden temperature changes well, and is able to endure heat and cold, to various degrees. It is heat-absorbent, retaining heat instead of conducting it. It can therefore be used to protect table tops from hot objects, although we cannot recommend extremely hot pans are placed on our table mats. The glass we use is NOT oven proof. These are art pieces for table decoration not utility cookery items.