We all know that gemstones are beautiful, but did you know that certain gems can display effects that make them even more special? Here are some of the various gemstone phenomena.

• Adularescence is a soft billowing luminous glow of white or blue colors that seem to float along the surface of gemstones as they move under light. This effect is caused by light scattering and diffracting through alternating layers of feldspar.
  • Gemstones known for their adularescence: Moonstone

 

• Asterism creates a star-like pattern on the surface of a gemstone when it’s illuminated. This effect is caused by light traveling through a stone containing microscopic, needle-like inclusions. Gemstones that feature this phenomenon are typically cut in a cabochon to best display the effect.
  • Gemstones known for their asterism: Star Sapphire and Star Ruby

• Aventurescence is characterized by a sparkling or glittering effect. It’s caused by tiny, reflective typically plate-like, inclusions within the gemstone.
  • Gemstones known for their aventurescence: Aventurine Quartz and Sunstone

• Chatoyancy resembles the slit pupil of a cat’s eye, which is why it’s commonly referred to as the “cat’s eye” effect. It appears as a bright, narrow band of light that runs across the surface of a gemstone. This phenomenon is caused by the reflection of light off parallel, fibrous inclusions within the gemstone. Similar to asterism, gemstones are typically cut into a cabochon to best display this effect.
  • Gemstones known for their chatoyancy: Chrysoberyl and Tiger’s Eye

• Color change refers to the phenomenon of a gemstone appearing to be one color in a certain light and another color in a different light. Gemstones contain elements that selectively absorb certain wavelengths of light and these gemstones can change color when they block some colors in sunlight or fluorescent light and others in candlelight or under incandescent lighting.
  • Gemstones known for their color change: Alexandrite

• Labradorescence creates a vibrant play of iridescent colors within certain gemstones. This phenomenon looks like an oil slick on the surface of water. It occurs when layers of feldspar grow side-by-side in its formation. When light enters the gemstone, it interacts with these layers, causing it to diffract and separate light into certain colors. The colors that are seen will change depending on the angle that the light enters the stone and the angle it is being viewed from.
  • Gemstones known for their labradorescence:  Labradorite

• Opalescence or Play of Color is a spectacular flashing display of colors. This effect occurs when light bounces off microscopic structures within the material (in opal’s case, minuscule spheres of silicon). Opal’s silica spheres form a variety of patterns and colors, ensuring that no two opals are exactly alike.
  • Gemstones known for their opalescence: Opal

Want to learn more about gemstone phonomena or see these astounding effects in person? Contact us at info@kloiberjewelers.com or 414-276-2457.