![]() However, to measure a gem's dispersion, gemologists must calculate its RI using red light (686.7 nm), then violet light (430.8). Typically, gemologists use a yellow light source (589 nm) to measure RIs. ![]() Gems have a refractive index (RI) for each wavelength of light. The higher the measurement, the more dispersion the gem can display.Įvery gem species refracts the distinct wavelengths of light (colors) at different speeds. How Do You Measure Gemstone Dispersion?Īlthough you can appreciate gemstone dispersion strictly on an aesthetic level, gemologists can measure it with a refractometer and use that information to help identify a gem. Red is a long wavelength of light and travels more quickly through a gem than blue. For example, blue is a short wavelength of light and travels slowly through a gem. This is literally "dispersion" - the wavelengths previously joined in white light "disperse" and exit the gem separately, creating the rainbow color display. When white light passes through a gemstone, each of its colors travels through it at a different speed. Each of those colors is a wavelength of light. Normal white light is composed of a rainbow of colors. It resides in the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada. It weighs 898 carats, around 6.33 oz, and measures about as large as a human palm. Jewelry aficionados can't wear this gem species easily. The "Light of The Desert" is the world's largest faceted cerussite, a very soft gem notoriously difficult to facet. ![]() However, other gems can exceed their fire. Have you ever seen the colors of the rainbow coming from deep within a finely cut gem? That effect is known as gemstone dispersion or "fire." Diamonds are well-known for their dispersion.
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