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The article explains the different types of mirrors, including flat mirrors and silver back mirrors, and how ancient mirrors were made by polishing obsidian rocks. It also describes how modern mirrors can be made at home using silver nitrate and other materials. Commercial mirrors are made using similar techniques, but with more precise methods for specialized purposes.
when
most people use the term “mirror”, it refers to what is known
like a flat mirror. This object takes the light that
it strikes and reflects it. Those used for common consumption purposes
they are of this kind.
A
the mirror is essentially a highly reflective surface. The kind that people
seen on walls or in bathrooms are known as silver back mirrors. This
means the reflective surface — in most modern, this
it’s aluminum – it’s seen through a thin layer of glass. The
the glass protects the aluminum from scratches and bubbles, but also
slightly distorts the image.
Presto
mirrors were created by simply polishing a suitable substance until it
became highly reflective. Examples from the Neolithic era were
discovered, made by grinding obsidian rocks and polishing them for
an incredible shine. They have remarkable properties, permitting too
subtle details to be seen clearly in their reflections.
A
making such a device, a person must first find the right stone:
obsidian, ideally. A rougher stone is used to grind the base stone
on a flat surface on one side. After this result, a finer grind
stone and clay slip can be used to fully polish the stone
reflective sheen. Extremely fine abrasives, such as ash, can help
further. After a significant amount of time and effort, the person will
they created a very primitive form of mirror.
modern
those are made using an entirely different process. Allow liquid
the metals to be condensed onto a glass plate can provide a lot more surface area
reflective of anything achieved with enamel. It can be done at home
with only a few supplies easily purchased at a local chemist
shop.
With a long
pure silver nitrate, distilled water and ammonia, a person can make a
mirror practically indistinguishable from those bought in a store. The
process (in short form) involves the dissolution of a small amount of
silver nitrate in distilled water, then adding diluted ammonia to
mixture goes through distinct chemical changes. A second blend is
made with silver nitrate and Rochelle salts. This mixture must be
boiled and filtered. By pouring these mixtures onto a very clean piece
of glass sufficiently heated to the right temperature, the silver will be
precipitate and form a uniform coating on the glass. After drying, the
the reverse side of the silver can be coated with a solid varnish to help prevent
degradation of silver.
Commercial
mirrors are manufactured in much the same way, though
materials such as aluminum could be used instead of silver. those made
for specialized purposes, such as those to be used in lasers or
telescopes, are manufactured using much more demanding techniques for
achieve much greater accuracy, but the general principles remain i
same.
