Kaleidoscope Terminology

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2 Mirror or 2 Mirror System - refers to the number of mirrored surfaces in the barrel of the kaleidoscope that the items in the object chamber are reflected off of which will produce a star-like or mandala pattern.  The angle of the mirrors determines the number of points on the mandala.

3 Mirror or 3 Mirror System - refers to the number of of mirrored surfaces in the barrel of the kaleidoscope that the items in the object chamber are reflected off of which will produce a quilt-like pattern which has many small images repeated throughout the pattern in a diagonal presentation of little triangles.

4 Mirror or 4 Mirror System - refers to the number of of mirrored surfaces in the barrel of the kaleidoscope that the items in the object chamber are reflected off of which will usually product a pattern at 90 degree angles somewhat like a plaid.

Barrel - Also referred to as the drum is the part of the scope that holds the mirror system and which the object chamber is attached to one end and the eye piece on the other end.  Traditionally these are either cardboard, wood, brass or stained glass though some artists use found items and convert them into kaleidoscopes so there are limitless possibilities.

Dichroic Glass - Glass that has thin coats of metal plated to it.  The light reflections off of this are very bright and luminous when combined with light reflected through the glass.  This will add to the price and value of the scope.  Below is an image from a kaleidoscope with a dichroic glass wheel.

Drum - please see barrel.

Dry Cell - The contents of the object chamber are the only thing in the chamber besides air, there are no liquids.

First Surface Mirrors - Reflecting material is on the front of the glass vs. the back.  These mirrors provide clearer images with less distortion than 2nd surface mirrors.  First surface mirrors are made of thinner glass with fewer imperfection than glass used for second surface mirrors.  Therefore, they are significantly more expensive than second surface mirrors.

Front Surface Mirrors - Same as first surface mirrors.

Glitter Wand - These are usually acrylic oil-filled tubes that are often filled with glitter and glistening bits of mylar and or tiny beads.  These are sometimes used as an object chamber in kaleidoscopes.  These are also objects of fascination to people with autism even without the kaleidoscope.

Lampworked Glass - Glass that is heated by a torch to a temperature at which can be shaped.  This is a skill that creates lovely shapes and textures to the glass and is prized an an addition to a kaleidoscope's object chamber.

Liquid Ampules - Glass tubes filled with liquid and sealed that are used as an object in the object chamber.

Mandala - Circular geometric design symbolizing the universe, used chiefly in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation.  It is a symbol of oneness with universe, since there is no beginning and no end.  Mandala patterns are created by 2 mirror kaleidoscopes.

Marble Scope (Kaleidoscope) - Usually refers to kaleidoscopes that use a marble as the object chamber.  Sometimes the traditional toy marbles are used.  In collectibles, you'll find an incredible variety of artist crafted marbles with beautiful colors and pattern intricacies - priced accordingly.  Sometimes marble scope will refer to the exterior of the scope, egg shapes are very common in marble.

Object Case - See Object Chamber.

Object Cell - See Object Chamber.

Object Chamber - Also referred to as object cells or object cases.  Usually sealed, some are openable and you may insert your own items.  Common elements found in object chambers include colored glass, gems, seashells, dichroic glass, acrylic, clay or plastic pieces, however, there is no limit of what might be used other than the size of the object chamber and your imagination.

Parlor Scopes (Kaleidoscope) - or pedestal kaleidoscopes are scopes that are mounted on a stand, either fixed or removable for ease of viewing on a table and are often ornate and or decorative.  In the early days of kaleidoscope it was a fun diversion to use in your parlor, hence the name.

Side Lit Object Chamber - For images to be produced through the kaleidoscope light is necessary.  When the end of  the kaleidoscope is opaque, the light enters through the openings on the sides of the object chamber vs. the end where light traditionally entered.

Smooth Wand - These are free flowing wands where the contents flow faster than spiral wants for a more showy fireworks effect, they are a subcategory of glitter wands.

Spiral Wand - These are wands that have a barrier spiraling within the wand that separate two fluids with different colored contents.  The rate of movement is slower than smooth wands and provides for a longer more soothing viewing experience.  These are a subcategory of a glitter wand.

Teleidoscope - Similar to a kaleidoscope in that it has mirrors contained in a barrel for viewing objects, but there is no object chamber.  Usually the end of the teleidoscope will appear to be a clear marble.  There is no limit to the variety of images available for viewing, whatever you pont it at creates lovely images.  Often nature lovers enjoy these in the arden or on hikes, also great for looking at comics and other brightly colored things.

Wand Scopes (Kaleidoscopes) - Kaleidoscopes that use a glitter wand as the object chamber.

Wheel Scopes (Kaleidoscopes - Uses a wheel or 2 or 3 instead of an object chamber.  Usually removable and often come with interchangeable wheels.  Stained glass is popular for these, sometimes agates, faceted glass, semi precious stones, patterned clear glass or dried flowers are used.

We hope this guide has helped you better understand kaleidoscope terminology.

You may be interested in our guides on Kaleidoscope Care & Preserving their Value and How to Purchase Kaleidoscopes on eBay.

Please visit our store Kaleido Wonders for eBay's largest selection of kaleidoscopes and related items.

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