Laponite: What is the difference between a gel and a glass?

Solutions of the synthetic clay Laponite are strongly viscoelastic, even at very low particle concentrations. The formation of a gel, evidenced by the existence of a fractal network, has been invoked in explaining the viscoel asticity. We study the structure and viscosity of Laponite using static lig ht scattering and rheometry. Contrary to previous observations, we find no evidence of a fractal-like organization of the colloidal particles, provide d the dispersion is prepared carefully. The results show that there is no r elation between the apparent fractal dimension and the viscoelasticity, A p ossible interpretation of our results is that Laponite solutions form collo idal glasses, rather than gels.