Optical phenomenon
Adularescence
A floating light effect associated with light scattering in layered feldspar structures.
Light in motion
Gemstone phenomena
Asterism, color change, chatoyancy, adularescence, play-of-color, and other observable optical effects.
Optical phenomenon
Asterism
A star-like reflection seen in suitably cut materials containing oriented inclusions.
Optical phenomenon
Chatoyancy
A moving band of reflected light resembling a cat’s eye.
Optical phenomenon
Color change
A meaningful change in apparent body color under different light sources.
Optical phenomenon
Play-of-color
Spectral flashes produced by diffraction within the ordered internal structure of precious opal.