The reflector for a light of higher power has a base body made of glass or glass ceramic and a protective jacket provided on the outer surface of the base body. The base body is formed with a receptacle for a light source, especially a gas discharge lamp, and an interior mirror surface for reflecting light. The protective jacket includes a mat or is a mat-shaped body, i.e. a woven or knit textile fabric of natural or synthetic material. Preferably it is a glass-fiber-reinforced mat. In addition to preventing splinters from flying around, the protective jacket advantageously also provides temperature equalization throughout the reflector. It also helps to prevent scattered light. The protective mat or jacket may be attached to the base body with an adhesive, such as a water glass.