Difference between revisions of "Sheen"
(→Opalescence) |
|||
Line 100: | Line 100: | ||
− | The causes of play of color in Opal | + | The causes of play of color in Opal were long uncertain until the invention of the electron microscope. This enabled scientists to see the unique structure of Opal at high magnification. |
It was discovered that Opal is made up of small spheres of silica. | It was discovered that Opal is made up of small spheres of silica. | ||
In Opal, both [[interference]] and [[diffraction]] play a role in the play of color. | In Opal, both [[interference]] and [[diffraction]] play a role in the play of color. |
Revision as of 09:38, 8 March 2006
Sheen is the effect caused by reflection of light from below the surface of the gemstone (lustre is on the surface).
There are several terms associated with sheen (listed below) and the causes can range from inclusions, internal structures and interference.
Contents
Chatoyancy
This type of sheen occurs on gemstones with parallel orientated inclusions, like fibers, needles and hollow tubes.
The effect of the reflection on these parallel arranged needles, fibres or hollow tubes is a light streak which runs at
a 90° angle over the inclusions.
In order for this effect to be seen, the gemstone needs to be cut en-cabochon.
Naming these types of gemstones is generally done with the suffix Cat's-Eye, as in Alexandrite Cat's-Eye.
Famous examples of this type of sheen are Chrysoberyl Cat's-Eye (or "Cymophane") and Tiger's-Eye (Quartz with asbestos fibres).
Others gemstones that may show chatoyancy are:
- Quartz
- Tourmaline
- Apatite
- Beryl
- Alexandrite
- Emerald
Asterism
Asterism is, like chatoyancy, caused by reflection on inclusions. However the inclusions are aranged in different
directions causing several lightstreaks on the surface of the en-cabochon stone.
There can be 4-pointed, 6-pointed and 12-pointed stars.
In general the inclusions which cause the stars are orientated parallel to the crystal faces.
In Corundum you may find (usually in Thai sapphire) a 12-pointed star due to inclusions (rutile and hematite) following
both the 1st order and the 2nd order prism.
This type of asterism (due to reflected light) is named epiasterim.
Diasterism is asterism caused by transmitted light (from behind the stone) and can be seen in some Rose Quartz and Almandine Garnet.
Garnet may produce 4-pointed stars which intersect at 90°, whilst in Diopside the 4-pointed stars intersect at 73°.
Corundum usually forms 6-pointed stars (mostly due to rutile or hematite needles).
Synthetic corundum may also show asterism. Usually the stars are much better defined than their natural counterparts.
Emerald has been reported to show a 6-pointed star.
Some stones, especially corundum, have orientated inclusions but in insufficient quantities to show a star.
These stones are generally facetted and occasionally you may see light reflected from small groups of such inclusions. This is termed Silk.
We describe stones which show asterism with the prefix Star as in Star-Emerald.
Some gemstones that may show asterism:
- Ruby (6-pointed)
- Sapphire (6-pointed, rarely 12-pointed)
- Rose Quartz (6-pointed)
- Spinel (4 or 6-pointed)
- Garnet (4 or 6-pointed)
- Diopside (4-pointed)
Iridescence
Iridescence is the play of color, or a series of colors, produced by interference or diffraction (or both), either when light is reflected from thin films, twinning planes or from the unique structure of precious opal.
There are several types of iridescence that have their own particular causes:
- Labradorescence
- Adularescence (or Schiller)
- Aventurescence
- Opalescence
Labradorescence
Labradorescence is the effect seen in Labradorite (a Feldspar) and Spectrolite (a Labradorite found in Finland). It is caused by reflection on the lamellar twin planes as often seen in Feldspars.
The play of color is the result of interference on the boundaries of the twinning planes. Many Labradorites are carved to expoid this unique type of sheen.
Adularescence
This type of sheen is exhibeted in Moonstone (another Feldspar) and also caused by reflection on the lamellar twinning planes.
The result is a blue color floating just below the surface of the stone. This is also named Schiller.
Aventurescence
Aventurescence is named after Aventurine Feldspar. It is also known as Sunstone due to the play of color that is caused by reflection on tiny and thin inclusions of goethite and hematite (or both). Giving the stone a golden or reddish-brown color and specular reflections.
Opalescence
The causes of play of color in Opal were long uncertain until the invention of the electron microscope. This enabled scientists to see the unique structure of Opal at high magnification.
It was discovered that Opal is made up of small spheres of silica.
In Opal, both interference and diffraction play a role in the play of color.