A gas mantle is a device used in gas lamps to produce light. It is made from a fabric that is coated with a mixture of metal salts, primarily thorium and cerium. When heated by a flame, the mantle glows brightly, providing illumination. Gas mantles are commonly used in outdoor lighting and camping equipment. The invention of the gas mantle in the late 19th century revolutionized lighting. It allowed for a much brighter and more efficient light source compared to traditional oil lamps. Today, while electric lighting is more common, gas mantles are still used in specific applications, such as kerosene lamps and propane lanterns.