gas mantle
A mesh-like object, generally made of thorium oxide, used to cover flames in lanterns, etc.
The low infrared emissivity and high visible emissivity of thorium (Th) make it useful in radiating flame energy as light rather than heat. In 1890, thorium was found to be superior to magnesium, and in 1891, he perfected a combination of 99 percent thorium oxide and 1 percent cerium oxide that produced a much whiter light and a stronger mantle. The gas mantle played a major role in street lighting until the widespread use of electric lights in the early 1900s.
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