New research from the University of Liverpool (Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, October 2024) has given insights into how ancient Egyptian mirrors were manufactured. Metallurgical analysis on 19 Egyptian mirrors from UK museum collections shows three main types of alloy were used: copper combined with arsenic, copper-tin alloy, and an alloy made from all three metals. The results show a consistency in the composition of the alloys, suggesting a high degree of standardisation during the manufacturing process, allowing the craftsmen to achieve a particular shade of copper, gold or silver suitable for a mirror.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / All images: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, unless otherwise stated
