The mirrors have undergone a massive transformation from the ancient Kerma people’s to the present-day mirrors. In fact, any smooth shiny surface can reflect and so, work as a mirror. Hence, people have been making mirrors out of different materials, from black obsidian stone to polished metals, and finally glass. However, the glass itself is not so reflective to act as a mirror, a thin metal layer is a must.
But what about current mirrors? What are they made of?
Are mirrors made of glass? Generally, a mirror is composed of glass with a light reflective layer of silver or aluminum on its back. However, some mirrors are made of clear plastic, acrylic, and thin metal sheets as well. But good quality glass is the best material for mirrors.
Since prehistoric times, mirrors have been very important but their aesthetic, optical, architectural, and scientific role has come into play with the creation of modern glass and acrylic mirrors.
Stay with us to explore more amazing facts about mirrors!
What Are Mirrors Made of
The history of mirrors dates back 8000 years when mirrors were crafted out of costly metals like silver, copper, and bronze, and were used only by the royals. The early mirrors were not as perfect as the present ones because they got tarnished with time, and lost their shine and quality of reflection. So, their metal surface needs to be polished quite often.
Let’s peek into the history:
History of Mirrors in a Glance
Before the creation of the mirror, dark pools or some water vessels were used to see reflections. The earliest mirror was made in Anatolia (6000 BC) from polished volcanic glass, obsidian. In many old cultures, mirrors were crafted out of shiny stone, and polished discs of copper, bronze, and other metal.
Chinese people created bronze and silver mirrors (2000 BC) by silvering the metals. During the Roman Empire, silver-coated metal mirrors were commonly used by servants. However, speculum mirrors or other precious metal mirrors were not easy to make and were owned by the riches only.
The first glass mirror was created around the 1st – 3rd century CE when soda-lime glass was produced. The early glass mirrors were very small, costly, full of imperfections, and of poor quality. Therefore, metal or steel mirrors remained in use till the late 19th century.
Are Mirrors Only Made of Glass
It’s a very common query why mirrors are only made of glass, not from unbreakable objects. Since the reflective covering is behind the glass but why something durable is not used? Plus, many of us are afraid of broken mirrors!
The clear and polished surface of the glass is perfect for the manufacturing of a flawless mirror. Modern mirrors are mostly glass mirrors. Besides glass, metal mirrors, acrylic mirrors, plastic, fiber, and polycarbonate mirrors have also been created for additional safety purposes. These plastic mirrors are lighter and durable but they easily scratch away while metal mirrors are too heavy, costly, and lose their shine with time.
However, a huge variety and types of mirrors are available today depending on their size, shape, material, and needs.
Are Mirrors Made Out of Glass: How are mirrors made?
The primitive metal or glass mirrors were not as clear and perfect as the modern glass mirrors and were mainly used for appearance. Now, with the revolution of the mirror industry, the whole scenario has changed.
Let’s probe into the manufacturing of mirrors!
How Are Mirrors Made?
Mirrors are usually made by spraying or deposition a thin reflective coating to a suitable material (glass). Now mirrors use aluminum coating because it’s lightweight and possesses the highest level of reflection across the visible spectrum.
The covering of glass with a metal layer is called silvering, no matter what metal is used. This deposition of metal is carried out by reducing the silver nitrate. Finally, the metal coating (aluminum) is covered with paint to prevent oxidation.
Nowadays, the primary methods of transforming a glass into a mirror involve electroplating, chemical deposition, and vacuum deposition.
Are Mirrors Made of Tempered Glass
Generally, mirrors are made from ordinary glass. However, tempered glass is known for its durability and sturdiness. If it breaks, it would unlikely hurt someone as it converts into many small pieces with fewer sharp ends.
Not all mirrors are manufactured from tempered glass. According to federal Safety Laws, bathroom mirrors must be tough and made from tempered glass. Therefore, washroom mirrors are mostly made of tempered glass for extra safety and longevity.
Read This Article: What Are Mirrors Made of?
Why Are Mirrors Made of Glass
No doubt, glass is the most important component of traditional mirrors because of its transparent and rigid surface. Therefore, good mirrors are generally manufactured of thin pieces of float glass with the help of silvering or vacuum deposition.
- Modern mirrors are typically made from flat or curvy sheets of glass with a fine metallic coating, for example, aluminum.
- Glass is considered an ideal substrate because it provides a strong base and smooth unbending surface to hold the reflective layer.
- Glass is mainly used for mirrors because of its high quality, low cost, and long-lasting surface.
- Glass is tough and wouldn’t flake off or scratch easily. Glass needs less care and remains as transparent as the new one.
Now, Glass mirrors are not a mere source of reflection or fancy. It’s more than a part of our home decor, an essential element of optics, modern technology, and beauty gadgets. Moreover, different types of glass mirrors are used extensively in vehicles, hospitals, along the roadsides, in many scientific tools, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make Glass a Mirror?
Looking glass or mirror is actually a piece of glass or polished metal surface used to see the reflection of an image that is placed in front of it. You can make any glass a mirror by silvering or coating its one side with smooth shiny metal. When light falls on this glass, the metallic film will bounce off the light by making the image of the object that comes in its way.
Are Mirrors Considered Glass?
Generally, mirrors are considered glass because they are commonly made out of regular glass or floated glass. However, glass is a transparent object and can be converted into a mirror by the back silvering of a reflective material like aluminum.
Are Mirrors Made of Sand?
No, it’s not the mirror, it’s the glass that is made from sand, soda ash, and limestone. All the ingredients are heated at extremely high temperature until it melts into a clear liquid glass. Then it’s cooled down and transformed into solid glass. So, you can say the glass of a mirror is made from sand. Finally, the outer side of the glass is silvered to convert it into an elegant mirror.
Final Words
Mirrors made of glass are considered to be the best ones because they don’t break easily and do not damage your eyes. However, it is important that you follow safety precautions while using them. Moreover, you can also add a layer of protection by applying anti-fog solutions such as a spray on them regularly.
In case you have any doubts about whether mirrors made of glass are safe or not, consider getting yourself an expert opinion before making any purchase!