Mineral glass.
The Matter of Time.
While the eyewear industry has switched to plastic for reasons of cost, weight, and production, we have made a different choice. Our sunglasses are equipped with mineral glass lenses from Barberini®, one of the most demanding references in the world for optical glass. Not glass treated to look like glass. Real glass, produced in Italy, refined in a platinum tube, designed to last.
Five objective reasons to choose mineral glass
Unrivaled visual acuity
Pure, crystal clear, sharp vision. No ripples, minimal peripheral distortion. You see the world as it is.
Superior scratch resistance
Chemically tempered: resistance is intrinsic to the material, not a coating that eventually wears off.
Polarization, without glare
Available in polarized version: less glare, more contrast. Ideal for driving, in the mountains, on the water.
High UV protection
Our Barberini® mineral lenses durably protect your eyes from radiation, in all light conditions.
Comfort and long-lasting quality
Oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings: easy maintenance, optical qualities preserved over the years.
"Quality that needs no argument because it's evident in use."
THE SUPPLIER
Why Barberini?
Barberini® is a world leader in premium optical mineral glass. Acquired by Luxottica (now EssilorLuxottica) in 2019 to preserve rare expertise, it embodies Italian excellence.
Its process is unique: glass refined through a real platinum tube, which eliminates microscopic impurities and guarantees purity, homogeneity, and first-rate optical performance. Anti-reflective, oleophobic, and hydrophobic treatment.
We chose Barberini for a simple reason: a beautiful pair of glasses lasts for years, and the material it is made of must live up to that promise.
Mineral glass vs. organic glass
| Criterion | Barberini mineral glass | Standard organic lens |
|---|---|---|
| Optical acuity | Barberini mineral glassClear vision, with minimal distortion | Standard organic lensSlight distortion at the periphery |
| Scratch resistance | Barberini mineral glassIntrinsic to the material | Standard organic lensA coating, which wears away |
| UV protection | Barberini mineral glassHigh UV protection | Standard organic lensTreatment applied |
| Surface treatments | Barberini mineral glassAnti-glare, oleophobic, hydrophobic | Standard organic lensVaries by range |
| Durability | Barberini mineral glassOptical properties preserved | Standard organic lensProgressive and rapid deterioration |
| Weight | Barberini mineral glassHeavier - presence and quality | Standard organic lensLess dense |
Caring for mineral glass
Mineral glass requires little, but requires it properly. Three steps are enough to preserve it.
Rinse your glasses with clean water before wiping them, to remove abrasive microparticles.
Dry with the microfibre cloth provided with your Steve McQueen Eyewear case, never with a rough cloth.
Store your glasses in their hard case between each use. Not on the dashboard, not in a pocket.
Avoid solvent sprays, alcohol-based solutions, and standard wet wipes, which can damage anti-reflective coatings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What we're often asked
No, mineral glass is not more fragile than plastic. In the event of a violent impact, yes, glass can shatter, while plastic is much more easily damaged. This is precisely what makes it a particularly resistant product.
The Barberini® mineral lenses are chemically tempered and tested with the drop ball method, ensuring high scratch resistance and lens durability.
Yes, slightly. Our frames are designed to absorb this extra weight and provide a balanced fit. Many of our customers tell us that this presence is precisely what they are looking for: the feeling of a real pair of glasses.
Grinding, lapping, and polishing transform raw glass blanks into thin lenses, reducing thickness by up to 66%
Yes. Thanks to chemical tempering and surface treatments, mineral glass retains its optical properties over the years. With simple and regular maintenance, it remains as good as new.
Discover our Barberini® mineral glass sunglasses
Free delivery
On all orders
15-day return
Free in France
Payment in 3 installments available
Free of charge
2-year warranty
On all our models