Opalescence

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Opalescent salt dish
MFA Acc. #:
1978.1156

Description

An optical phenomena that occurs in gemstone opals and appears as a milky iridescence. Opalexcence 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.

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