Are you fascinated by gemstones? If so, you're not alone. Gems come in all shapes, sizes, and hues. From sparkling diamonds to vivid rubies, they're all beautiful in their own way. But have you heard of color changing gemstones? These unique gems have the ability to change colors under different types of lighting. Let's dive into the world of color changing gemstones and discover more about these extraordinary stones.
Introduction to Color Changing Gemstones
Color changing gemstones are a rare and fascinating category of gems that are known for their ability to change color under different lighting conditions. There are only a handful of gemstones that can exhibit this change, and they are considered some of the most valuable and sought after stones in the world.
The phenomenon of color change in gemstones is caused by the absorption of certain wavelengths of light. The absorbed light triggers a change in the crystal structure of the gemstone, which then causes the stone to change color. The change can be quite subtle or quite dramatic depending on the gemstone and the lighting conditions.
Color changing gemstones are not easily found, and the color change is often only visible in certain types of lighting. For example, some stones may appear green in daylight but shift to a reddish hue under incandescent light. Others may appear blue in the sunlight but change to a violet color under fluorescent lighting.
About Color Changing Gemstones
Color changing gemstones come in a variety of different types, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Some of the most well-known color changing gemstones include:
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is one of the most famous and sought after color changing gemstones. This stone is typically green in daylight or fluorescent lighting, but can appear reddish-purple in incandescent lighting.
This stone is known for its vivid color change and is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts.
Zultanite
Zultanite is another popular color changing gemstone that was discovered in Turkey in 1975. This stone can appear green, yellow, or brown in daylight, but changes to a rosy pink or reddish hue under incandescent light. Zultanite is very rare and is often referred to as the "Sultan of Gems."
Garnet
Garnets are a type of stone that can come in a variety of different colors, including red, green, and yellow. Some garnets may also exhibit color change under certain lighting conditions, from blue to purple for example.
Alexandrite Cat's Eye
The alexandrite cat's eye is a type of alexandrite that exhibits a "cat's eye" effect. This effect makes the stone appear to have a narrow band of light down the center, much like a cat's eye. The alexandrite cat's eye can exhibit a color change, and can appear green in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent light.
FAQ
Are color changing gemstones rare?
Yes, color changing gemstones are quite rare. Only a handful of gemstones have the ability to change color, and even then, the change is often only visible under certain lighting conditions.
Are color changing gemstones more valuable?
Color changing gemstones are often more valuable than other types of stones because of their unique properties. They are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts and can command high prices at auction.
Do all color changing gemstones change color in the same way?
No, each type of color changing gemstone has its own unique properties and can exhibit different types of color change. Some stones may only change color slightly, while others may exhibit a dramatic shift in color.
Conclusion
Color changing gemstones are a fascinating category of gems that are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. These stones are rare and valuable, and their ability to change color under different lighting conditions makes them all the more intriguing. If you're interested in gemstones and want to explore something beyond the traditional options, color changing gems may be worth considering. They are a true marvel of nature's brilliance!