Mirror vs. Glass — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 7, 2024
A mirror reflects images with a reflective coating on glass, while glass is a transparent material used in various applications without inherent reflection.
Difference Between Mirror and Glass
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A mirror is specifically designed to reflect images and light, often used for personal grooming, decorative, and architectural purposes. It achieves its reflective quality through a thin layer of metal or metallic compounds coated on one side. Glass, on the other hand, is a versatile material made by cooling molten ingredients like silica sand, soda ash, and limestone. It is transparent and used in windows, bottles, and many other products.
While mirrors are typically made from glass as a base, the key difference lies in the reflective coating applied to the glass, making it a mirror. This coating is usually made of silver or aluminum. Glass, whereas, lacks this coating and is prized for its clarity and transparency, allowing light to pass through unimpeded.
Mirrors are crafted to provide a clear, accurate reflection, serving as essential tools in environments where visual feedback is necessary, such as bathrooms and vehicles. On the other hand, glass's transparency makes it indispensable in applications requiring light transmission or visibility, such as eyewear and windshields.
The production process of mirrors includes the application of reflective materials and protective coatings to prevent oxidation and enhance durability. Conversely, glass manufacturing focuses on achieving a clear, uniform texture and strength, often incorporating treatments for tempering or laminating.
In terms of maintenance, mirrors require careful cleaning to avoid damaging the reflective surface, while glass products may have more varied cleaning requirements based on their use and treatments, like anti-reflective or scratch-resistant coatings.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Reflecting images and light
Allowing light to pass through; visibility
Material Composition
Glass with a reflective coating (e.g., silver)
Silica sand, soda ash, limestone (without coating)
Key Feature
Reflective surface for clear images
Transparency for clear visibility
Manufacturing Process
Includes coating glass with reflective materials
Focuses on clarity, texture, and strength
Applications
Personal grooming, decorative, architectural uses
Windows, bottles, eyewear, windshields
Compare with Definitions
Mirror
An object with a reflective surface for personal grooming.
He hung a large mirror in the hallway.
Glass
A hard, transparent material used in windows.
The morning light streamed in through the glass window.
Mirror
A reflective surface used in telescopes and lasers.
The telescope's large mirror gathers light from distant stars.
Glass
A component in screens for electronics.
He replaced the cracked glass on his smartphone.
Mirror
An element in interior design for aesthetic enhancement.
The designer used mirrors to make the room appear larger.
Glass
A substance used to make bottles, jars, and other containers.
He recycled the glass bottles after the party.
Mirror
A tool used in vehicles for rearview vision.
She checked the rearview mirror before changing lanes.
Glass
The material for eyewear lenses.
She cleaned her glasses to improve visibility.
Mirror
A smooth surface that reflects images clearly.
She looked into the mirror to adjust her hair.
Glass
A medium for artistic and decorative objects.
The artist crafted beautiful glass sculptures.
Mirror
A surface, typically of glass coated with a metal amalgam, which reflects a clear image
He checked his appearance in the mirror
Glass
Glass is a non-crystalline, often transparent amorphous solid, that has widespread practical, technological, and decorative use in, for example, window panes, tableware, and optics. Glass is most often formed by rapid cooling (quenching) of the molten form; some glasses such as volcanic glass are naturally occurring.
Mirror
(of a surface) show a reflection of
The clear water mirrored the sky
Glass
A hard, brittle substance, typically transparent or translucent, made by fusing sand with soda and lime and cooling rapidly. It is used to make windows, drinking containers, and other articles
The screen is made from glass
A glass door
Mirror
A mirror is an object that reflects an image. Light that bounces off a mirror will show an image of whatever is in front of it, when focused through the lens of the eye or a camera.
Glass
A drinking container made from glass
A beer glass
Mirror
A surface capable of reflecting sufficient undiffused light to form an image of an object placed in front of it. Also called looking glass.
Glass
A lens, or an optical instrument containing a lens or lenses, in particular a monocle or a magnifying lens.
Mirror
Something that faithfully reflects or gives a true picture of something else.
Glass
A mirror
She couldn't wait to put the dress on and look in the glass
Mirror
Something worthy of imitation.
Glass
Cover or enclose with glass
The inn has a long gallery, now glassed in
Mirror
To reflect in or as if in a mirror
"The city mirrors many of the greatest moments of Western culture" (Olivier Bernier).
Glass
(especially in hunting) scan (one's surroundings) with binoculars
The first day was spent glassing the rolling hills
Mirror
A smooth surface, usually made of glass with reflective material painted on the underside, that reflects light so as to give an image of what is in front of it.
Glass
Hit (someone) in the face with a beer glass
He glassed the landlord because he'd been chatting to Jo
Mirror
(figuratively) An object, person, or event that reflects or gives a picture of another.
Glass
Reflect as if in a mirror
The opposite slopes glassed themselves in the deep dark water
Mirror
A disk, website or other resource that contains replicated data.
Glass
Any of a large class of materials with highly variable mechanical and optical properties that solidify from the molten state without crystallization, are typically made by silicates fusing with boric oxide, aluminum oxide, or phosphorus pentoxide, are generally hard, brittle, and transparent or translucent, and are considered to be supercooled liquids rather than true solids.
Mirror
A mirror carp.
Glass
A drinking vessel.
Mirror
(historical) A kind of political self-help book, advising kings, princes, etc. on how to behave.
Glass
A mirror.
Mirror
(transitive) Of an event, activity, behaviour, etc, to be identical to; to be a copy of.
Glass
A barometer.
Mirror
To create something identical to (a web site, etc.).
Glass
A window or windowpane.
Mirror
(transitive) To reflect, as in a mirror.
Glass
The series of transparent plastic sheets that are secured vertically above the boards in many ice rinks.
Mirror
A looking-glass or a speculum; any glass or polished substance that forms images by the reflection of rays of light.
And in her hand she held a mirror bright,Wherein her face she often viewèd fair.
Glass
Glasses A pair of lenses mounted in a light frame, used to correct faulty vision or protect the eyes.
Mirror
That which gives a true representation, or in which a true image may be seen; hence, a pattern; an exemplar.
She is mirour of all courtesy.
O goddess, heavenly bright,Mirror of grace and majesty divine.
Glass
Often glasses A binocular or field glass.
Mirror
See Speculum.
Glass
A device, such as a monocle or spyglass, containing a lens or lenses and used as an aid to vision.
Mirror
To reflect, as in a mirror.
Glass
The quantity contained by a drinking vessel; a glassful.
Mirror
To copy or duplicate; to mimic or imitate; as, the files at Project Gutenberg were mirrored on several other ftp sites around the world.
Glass
Objects made of glass; glassware.
Mirror
To have a close resemblance to; as, his opinions often mirrored those of his wife.
Glass
Made or consisting of glass.
Mirror
Polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
Glass
Fitted with panes of glass; glazed.
Mirror
A faithful depiction or reflection;
The best mirror is an old friend
Glass
To enclose or encase with glass.
Mirror
Reflect as if in a mirror;
The smallest pond at night mirrors the firmament above
Glass
To put into a glass container.
Mirror
Reflect or resemble;
The plane crash in Milan mirrored the attack in the World Trade Center
Glass
To provide with glass or glass parts.
Glass
To make glassy; glaze.
Glass
To see reflected, as in a mirror.
Glass
To reflect.
Glass
To scan (a tract of land or forest, for example) with an optical instrument.
Glass
To become glassy.
Glass
To use an optical instrument, as in looking for game.
Glass
An amorphous solid, often transparent substance, usually made by melting silica sand with various additives (for most purposes, a mixture of soda, potash and lime is added).
The tabletop is made of glass.
A popular myth is that window glass is actually an extremely viscous liquid.
Glass
Any amorphous solid (one without a regular crystal lattice).
Metal glasses, unlike those based on silica, are electrically conductive, which can be either an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on the application.
Glass
(countable) A vessel from which one drinks, especially one made of glass, plastic, or similar translucent or semi-translucent material.
Fill my glass with milk, please.
Glass
(metonymically) The quantity of liquid contained in such a vessel.
There is half a glass of milk in each pound of chocolate we produce.
Glass
(uncountable) Glassware.
We collected art glass.
Glass
A mirror.
She adjusted her lipstick in the glass.
Glass
A magnifying glass or telescope.
Glass
(sport) A barrier made of solid, transparent material.
Glass
The backboard.
He caught the rebound off the glass.
Glass
(ice hockey) The clear, protective screen surrounding a hockey rink.
He fired the outlet pass off the glass.
Glass
A barometer.
Glass
Transparent or translucent.
Glass frog;
Glass shrimp;
Glass worm
Glass
(obsolete) An hourglass.
Glass
Lenses, considered collectively.
Her new camera was incompatible with her old one, so she needed to buy new glass.
Glass
A pane of glass; a window (especially of a coach or similar vehicle).
Glass
(transitive) To fit with glass; to glaze.
Glass
(transitive) To enclose in glass.
Glass
(transitive) fibreglass To fit, cover, fill, or build, with fibreglass-reinforced resin composite (fiberglass).
Glass
To strike (someone), particularly in the face, with a drinking glass with the intent of causing injury.
Glass
To bombard an area with such intensity (nuclear bomb, fusion bomb, etc) as to melt the landscape into glass.
Glass
(transitive) To view through an optical instrument such as binoculars.
Glass
(transitive) To smooth or polish (leather, etc.), by rubbing it with a glass burnisher.
Glass
To reflect; to mirror.
Glass
(transitive) To make glassy.
Glass
(intransitive) To become glassy.
Glass
A hard, brittle, translucent, and commonly transparent substance, white or colored, having a conchoidal fracture, and made by fusing together sand or silica with lime, potash, soda, or lead oxide. It is used for window panes and mirrors, for articles of table and culinary use, for lenses, and various articles of ornament.
Glass
Any substance having a peculiar glassy appearance, and a conchoidal fracture, and usually produced by fusion.
Glass
Anything made of glass.
She would not liveThe running of one glass.
Glass
A drinking vessel; a tumbler; a goblet; hence, the contents of such a vessel; especially; spirituous liquors; as, he took a glass at dinner.
Glass coaches are [allowed in English parks from which ordinary hacks are excluded], meaning by this term, which is never used in America, hired carriages that do not go on stands.
Glass
To reflect, as in a mirror; to mirror; - used reflexively.
Happy to glass themselves in such a mirror.
Where the Almighty's form glasses itself in tempests.
Glass
To case in glass.
Glass
To cover or furnish with glass; to glaze.
Glass
To smooth or polish anything, as leater, by rubbing it with a glass burnisher.
Glass
A brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
Glass
A glass container for holding liquids while drinking
Glass
The quantity a glass will hold
Glass
A small refracting telescope
Glass
Amphetamine used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride; used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressant
Glass
A mirror; usually a ladies' dressing mirror
Glass
Glassware collectively;
She collected old glass
Glass
Furnish with glass;
Glass the windows
Glass
Scan (game in the forest) with binoculars
Glass
Enclose with glass;
Glass in a porch
Glass
Put in a glass container
Glass
Become glassy or take on a glass-like appearance;
Her eyes glaze over when she is bored
Common Curiosities
Are all mirrors made from glass?
Most mirrors are made from glass, but some use other materials like polished metal for reflection.
How is colored glass made?
Colored glass is created by adding metal oxides or other chemicals to the molten glass mixture.
What is the main purpose of a mirror?
The main purpose of a mirror is to reflect images and light accurately.
How do you clean a mirror without damaging it?
Clean a mirror with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild glass cleaner, avoiding harsh chemicals.
What makes a mirror reflective?
A mirror is made reflective by applying a thin metallic coating to one side of a glass pane.
Why do mirrors fog up?
Mirrors fog up due to the condensation of moisture in the air on the cooler surface of the mirror.
Can glass be used as a mirror?
Glass alone cannot function as a mirror; it requires a reflective coating to reflect images.
What are safety glasses?
Safety glasses are protective eyewear made from toughened glass or plastic to prevent eye injuries.
Is tempered glass stronger than regular glass?
Yes, tempered glass is treated to be stronger and safer than regular glass, breaking into smaller, less sharp pieces.
How are mirrors used in solar power?
Mirrors are used in solar power to concentrate sunlight onto a small area for efficient energy capture.
What is the difference between glass and crystal?
Crystal is a type of glass with a higher lead content, making it more reflective and clearer than regular glass.
Can glass be recycled?
Yes, glass is recyclable and can be melted down to make new glass products.
Can mirrors be used to enhance natural light in a room?
Yes, strategically placed mirrors can reflect and amplify natural light in a room.
What types of glass are used in construction?
Construction uses various types of glass, including tempered, laminated, and insulated glass, for different purposes.
Why is glass transparent?
Glass is transparent because its atomic structure allows light to pass through it without significant obstruction.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
