Moderustic makes fiery glass

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - The story that ended with Moderustic co-founder Edgar Jaunzemis receiving a patent for his company's decorative fireplace glass is one of "triumph and tragedy," the man said.

Moderustic, based in Rancho Cucamonga, achieved the triumph of receiving the patent in July, after an experience that Jaunzemis described as an extremely delayed bureaucratic process.

The "tragedy" happened in April, when Jaunzemis' wife and Moderustic co-founder, Claudia, died after an Astro Van rolled over onto her at a parking lot in Rancho Cucamonga.

"We did everything together," Jaunzemis said.

Several months removed from the moments of tragedy and triumph that took place, Jaunzemis is still hard at work building Moderustic into whatever the company will become.

A product that Jaunzemis calls "Aquatic Glassel" glass is at the basis of Moderustic's business. The company sells tumbled and polished pieces of glass in virtually any color that are designed for use in propane or natural gas fireplaces.

Moderustic's new patent protects the process the Jaunzemises developed to smooth and heat-treat the glass.

Inside Moderustic's store and workshop, countless pieces of Aquatic Glassel glass are arranged in displays that resemble what one would find in a candy store.

Customers can buy glass in pebble-shaped pieces colored in a lapis lazuli-like blue, deep oranges or "uranium" green, along with dozens of other shades.