Opalescence
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Description
An optical phenomena that occurs in gemstone opals and appears as a milky iridescence. Opalescence is produced natural by the reflection and refraction of light through the spacing and layering of silicon dioxide spheres and water inclusions. An opalescent glaze or glass can be induced by added Boron, fluoride or Arsenic compounds to the starting mixture.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- opalescence (noun: definition = reflecting or changing light like an opal)
- opalescent (adjective: definition = reflecting iridescence)