Tag Archives: mirrors of a kaleidoscope

2 mirror, 3 mirror and tapered mirror system kaleidoscopes.

Continuing in my January theme of back to basics, I’m going to blog about the mirror systems in kaleidoscopes today. The magic part of the scope is the mirrors. This is where the multiplication, geometry and physics all take place.

A 3 mirror kaleidoscope is the most common and traditional toy image. This is where 3 equal strips of mirror are configured into a triangular tube. This creates a triangular quilt of color within your kaleidoscope. The Big Jazzy Kaleidoscopes are a great example of a traditional 3 mirror kaleidoscope.

Big Jazzy Kaleidoscope 3 mirror system

Big Jazzy Kaleidoscope 3 mirror system

A 2 mirror system is still configured in a triangular tube, but the third side is matte black so the reflections are only 2 fold. This creates beautiful and symmetrical round mandalas with a gorgeous centerpoint. Peggy and Steve Kittleson make an excellent 2 mirror system.

2 mirror Interior Image from Kittleson Mystic Rapture

2 mirror Interior Image from Kittleson Mystic Rapture

A tapered 3 mirror system is configured wider at the eye and all 3 sides narrower at the object cell. This creates a domed interior image.

Tapered 3 mirror image from Westwind Kaleidoscope

Tapered 3 mirror image from Westwind Kaleidoscope


This the Westwind Kaleidoscope by Joanne Jacobs.

Westwind by Joanne Jacobs

Westwind by Joanne Jacobs


Mirror systems are the heart of kaleidoscopes,where the magic happens.