What is the term for a stone’s ability to disperse light into spectral colors, and which stone typically has higher dispersion than diamond?

Study for the DCA Gemology Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offering hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

What is the term for a stone’s ability to disperse light into spectral colors, and which stone typically has higher dispersion than diamond?

Explanation:
Dispersion is the gemstone property that makes white light break into its spectral colors, creating the fire you see in gems. It happens because the refractive index changes with wavelength, so different colors bend by different amounts as light travels through the stone. Moissanite has higher dispersion than diamond, meaning its spectral colors are more pronounced and its fire appears more vivid. Diamond’s dispersion is lower, so its fire is more subdued even with good cutting. The other terms describe light behavior that isn’t about color separation, or point to stones that don’t fit this comparison.

Dispersion is the gemstone property that makes white light break into its spectral colors, creating the fire you see in gems. It happens because the refractive index changes with wavelength, so different colors bend by different amounts as light travels through the stone. Moissanite has higher dispersion than diamond, meaning its spectral colors are more pronounced and its fire appears more vivid. Diamond’s dispersion is lower, so its fire is more subdued even with good cutting. The other terms describe light behavior that isn’t about color separation, or point to stones that don’t fit this comparison.

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