play-of-color
Opal's signature shimmer
Play-of-color is the shifting rainbow effect seen in opals, where flashes of spectral color appear to move across the stone as the viewing angle changes.
The phenomenon results from light diffracting through the gem's internal structure.
Gemologists use the term to distinguish this from other optical effects like iridescence or color change: The black opal displayed exceptional play-of-color.
Hydrated silica gemstone
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
- fireCombustion with flames
- spectralGhostlike or wavelength-related
- flashBrief burst of light
harlequin · pinfire · rolling · cabochon · silica · rainbow · black opal · white opal
Waves spreading past obstacles
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- light scatteringDeflection by particles
- prismaticLight-dispersing, multicolored
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
refraction · thin film · microstructure · lattice · visible spectrum
opal
Hydrated silica gemstone
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
- fireCombustion with flames
- spectralGhostlike or wavelength-related
flash · harlequin · pinfire · rolling · cabochon · silica · rainbow · black opal · white opal · schiller
diffraction
Waves spreading past obstacles
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- light scatteringDeflection by particles
- prismaticLight-dispersing, multicolored
wavelength · refraction · thin film · microstructure · lattice · visible spectrum