Shedding light on the color of gems and minerals: The selective absorption of light according to wavelength—the result of various electronic processes whose energies correspond to certain wavelengths of visible light—gives minerals their distinctive hues

Four Treasures Reference Database

Record No. 28167

Shedding light on the color of gems and minerals: The selective absorption of light according to wavelength—the result of various electronic processes whose energies correspond to certain wavelengths of visible light—gives minerals their distinctive hues

Journal Article

Loeffler, B.M. and Burns, R.G. (1976) Shedding light on the color of gems and minerals: The selective absorption of light according to wavelength—the result of various electronic processes whose energies correspond to certain wavelengths of visible light—gives minerals their distinctive hues. American Scientist, Vol. 64, No. 6, November–December, pp. 636–647.

Sinkankas/Born No.: NIS/NIB | RWHL*

gems, color science, color theory, causes of color in gems, physics of color, aquamarine, sapphire, kyanite, emerald, ruby, alexandrite

An excellent summary of the causes of color in gems presented in a digestable format, including useful spectra and diagrams to assist understanding. Highly recommended for students of gemology.