Were Mirrors Made with Mercury?
Abstract: Mirrors Made of Glass Backed with a Reflective Coating of Tin Amalgam First Came into General Use in the 16Th Century. .. . the Mirrors Were Made by...
Abstract: Mirrors made of glass backed with a reflective coating of tin amalgam first came into general use in the 16th century. ... The mirrors were made by sliding glass over tinfoil flooded with mercury. The mercury reacts with tin to form a layer of crystals containing about 19 wt% of mercury alloyed with the tin.
Is there mercury in old mirrors?
The mercury is actually contained in the reflective layer behind the glass portion of the mirror. Other types of antique mirrors that contain mercury include "silvered" mirrors and tin mirrors. Mirror makers stopped using mercury in the 1840s, instead switching to silver nitrate, which is still used today.
How can you tell if a mirror has mercury in it?
Tip: Place a rod (pen or toothpick) on the mirror. If the point touching the mirror looks like it is directly “touching” its reflection, the glass layer is thin enough and the mirror is probably modern. On the other hand, if the point is separate from its reflection, then it is probably mercury (prior to 1835).
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
