What does dichroism mean?
Dichroism refers to the property of a material that causes it to exhibit different colours when viewed under different lighting conditions or from different angles. This phenomenon is commonly observed in minerals, gemstones, and certain optical materials. Dichroism is a result of the material's interaction with light, which depends on the wavelength and polarization of the light. The property is useful in various fields, including materials science, optics, and mineralogy, as it can be used to identify and characterize materials. Understanding dichroism is essential for the accurate identification and analysis of materials with unique optical properties.
nounThe property of a material that causes it to exhibit different colours when viewed under different lighting conditions or from different angles.
- The property of exhibiting different colours under different conditions.
- A specific instance of this property in a material or object.
"The mineral's dichroism made it appear blue in reflected light and red in transmitted light."
"The gemstone's dichroism was a key factor in its identification."
"The artist exploited the dichroism of the pigments to create a dynamic effect."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dichroism
The term 'dichroism' originates from the Greek words 'di-' meaning 'two' and 'chroma' meaning 'colour'. The concept of dichroism has been studied in optics and materials science for centuries, with early observations of colour changes in minerals and gemstones.
Usage notes
Formal or technical contexts, often in materials science, optics, or mineralogy.