Are gel-derived glasses different from ordinary glasses?

A review is presented of some of the previously reported differences and similarities between comparable gel glasses (and gels) and ordinary glasses. In this regard, considerations are made with respect to such factors as structure, physical and thermal properties, and phase transformation behavior. A variety of silicate glass compositions are used for illustrative purposes. The discussion is roughly divided into two sections: low and high temperature behavior. At low temperatures one anticipates that differences between gel and conventional glasses will exist, but such dissimilarities are not expected to persist to high temperatures. However, experimental evidence is presented which indicates the perpetuation of such differences to very high temperatures. A partial resolution for this anomalous behavior is offered.