Image credit: Derya Sunkel Dispersion in diamondsĪs a transparent material diamond’s high refractive index promotes strong dispersion. Short wavelengths ( near UV) travel more slowly than long wavelengths ( near IR). Upon entry the different colors in the visible spectrum begin traveling at different speeds – separating, or ‘dispersing’ from each other. Graphic Credit: Wikipediaĭispersion occurs between non-parallel transparent surfaces, like a glass prism or a gemstone’s facets.

All-seen together, we perceive the light as white. Light in the visible spectrum is composed of a rainbow of colors. Dispersion vs Fireĭispersion occurs physically, within the diamond.įire occurs physiologically, at the human eye. It may also be cool to engage your customers with these hows and whys ~ involving their eyes. And, depending on acuity, eyesight and age, it even varies from observer to observer (did you know that?).įortunately, the fact that these terms have been co-mingled and transposed over time creates an opportunity to revisit them and sharpen our skills as communicators.

Not just diamond to diamond – the same diamond presents with different fire in different environments. When a jeweler talks about fire, however, a variable aesthetic is being described: “This diamond has more fire than that one.” And indeed, fire’s appearance is variable. And, while a diamond’s cut-geometry influences dispersive-output, the phenomenon of “dispersion” itself is a physical constant. The material has a fixed refractive index which reliably disperses light. When a gemologist talks about dispersion the phenomenon being described is scientifically repeatable from diamond to diamond.

Examples of each dispersio forces