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The rainbow-like colours that reflect through the surface of a diamond, do you know what its called. It is a unique phenomenon which is called gemstone dispersion. I bet you did not know that not only diamonds but some other gemstones can also show gemstone dispersion. These rainbow-like colours are seen from deep within a gemstone which is finely cut. It is one of the allure of gemstones, this dazzling display of colors.
In this blog, we will talk about gem dispersion in detail, what it is and how it works as well as its significance in the gemstone world.
Gemstone dispersion is a phenomenon that is also known as fire in gemstones. It is referred to as Fire in gems because of its ability to split the white natural light into components, creating a rainbow. This is an optical property of the gem that enhances the visual appeal of gemstones. It makes the gem look more brilliant.
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Dispersion as per science occurs when a white light, natural or manmade, enters a gemstone from a facet and refracts. The refraction occurs inside the internal structure of the gemstone and in return due to the refraction, the white light turns into rainbows. The light bends by different amounts in different wavelengths and so the one single light turns into separate spectral colors, the 7 colours - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
The dispersion degree will depend on the refractive index of the gemstone and the angle at which the light will enter the gem. If a gem has a higher refractive index, it means that there will be a greater bending of light and as a result more pronounced dispersion. Since every gem has its own refractive index, they have a specific dispersion value as well. The gemstone dispersion value is valued in measuring units called “Abbe Numbers”.
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There are several factors that influences the fire in a gemstone, like:
Material or Composition - The chemical composition of a gemstone is the first thing that will affect the dispersion. Diamonds have high dispersion value and the fire in a diamond is easily seen. Its crystal structure allows gem dispersion the best.
Cut and Facets - Another thing is how the gem is cut and the facets as the facets allow the light to enter at particular angles. A well-cut gemstone will have precise facets and angles, and so their proportions will maximize the fire-in-gems effect, allowing the light to enter and exit in the way that the spectrum of colours is seen.
Clarity - The internal flaws or inclusions in a gem can affect the refraction and hence the light transmission and dispersion. The gems with fewer inclusions will exhibit better dispersion so their brilliance will be great too.
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Some of the gemstones that are renowned for their exceptional dispersion properties are:
Diamond - Diamonds are most famous for showing fire and having fiery brilliance. Diamonds create a breathtaking display of rainbow colours with a dispersion value of 0.044.
Zircon - Natural zircon exhibit a dispersion value of 0.039 and the fire of the gem is bright.
Demantoid Garnet - A rare gemstone that exhibits excellent fire in gems is the Demantoid garnet.
Sphalerite - This is a lesser-known gem but it has one of the highest dispersion values which is 0.156. It is a remarkable fire gem.
Fire Opal - The fire opal is specifically known for the fire within, it shows a great display of colours.
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Gemstone dispersion is a factor in gemology that influences the aesthetic look and hence the economic value of a gemstone. The fire in a gemstone increases the value of a gemstone, so gemstone enthusiasts, collectors and gemologists take dispersion into account while evaluating the price of a gemstone.
The dispersion in gemstones is seen when the gem is killed in a specific cut, some of the cuts that show the best fire in a gemstone are:
Brilliant Cut - It is a popular cutting known in the gemstone world that features multiple facets that are arranged to optimize the light reflection. The brilliant cut is commonly used for high-dispersion gemstones like diamonds.
Mixed Cut - Mixed cut is a combination of brilliant and step cut which balances the dispersion as well as the color and clarity of the gem, elevating the overall beauty and brilliance of the gem.
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Gemstone dispersion, also called the fire in gemstones is the phenomenon when the gemstones glitter naturally and rainbow-like colors reflect from them. This dazzling art is natural in gems and many gems show dispersion. It is even a factor that increases the price of a gem. It makes the gemstones look more brilliant and so dispersion is appreciated in precious gems.
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