The glassy (hyaline) and translucent cartilage seen on numerous joint surfaces is known as hyaline cartilage. Hyaline cartilage can also be found in the ribs, nose, larynx, and trachea. It is pearl-grey in color, has a hard firmness, and contains a significant quantity of collagen. It has no nerves or blood vessels, and its structure is rather straightforward.

Externally, hyaline cartilage is protected by a fibrous membrane called the perichondrium, or synovial membrane when it runs along articulating surfaces. This membrane contains capillaries that deliver nutrition to the cartilage via diffusion.

Type II collagen and chondroitin sulphate are the main components of hyaline cartilage matrix, which are also found in elastic cartilage.

On the sternal ends of the ribs, in the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, and on the articulating surfaces of bones, hyaline cartilage can be found. It provides the buildings a firm but flexible appearance. Collagen fibers provide strength to such structures and joints, but also limit mobility and flexibility.