Choosing one's glass is very important to the result of any stained glass project. You may have the most beautiful pattern in all of Pern, but without the right glass, your piece won't be so great. Here's a list of descriptions to help you understand what's what.

Cathedral glass is simply a glass that is just one color. It is transparent and hand rolled to a single thickness.

Opalescent glass is hand rolled to a single thickness like cathedral glass. However, opalescent glass starts with a white base and has colors added into it.

Streaky is a type of glass where many colors are blended into a clear base. This provides for bright, vivid colors.

Wispy is a combination of both clear and opalescent glass. It can be made with various colors.

Ripple is glass that undergoes a process that produces a texture of highs and lows.

Seedy is glass that is made with tiny air bubbles in the glass.

Hide Glue Glass is roughened on one side and treated with hide glue to give it a frosted appearance.

Iridized Glass has a thin metallic coating on top of it that changes color under different lights.

Baroque Glass has a swirly texture. Sometimes is compared to the lines that make up a fingerprint. It also consists of a texture that is raised in swirls.

Water glass Has a broader texture than other glasses to give it the effect of moving water.

References:

Stained Glass Biz - http://www.stainedglassworld.com/index1.html