Sparkling Beauty of High-Quality Diamonds

Dispersion in High-Quality Diamonds

A high-quality diamond sparkles with color when illuminated due to dispersion.

The characteristic that causes a high-quality diamond to sparkle with flashes of brilliant color when exposed to white light is dispersion. Dispersion is the phenomenon where different wavelengths of light are refracted by varying degrees, separating white light into multiple colors. This unique optical property of diamonds is what gives them their renowned colorful sparkle.

When white light enters a diamond, each wavelength of visible light is refracted or bent by a different amount due to the diamond's high refractive index. This refraction leads to the separation of light into its constituent colors, creating the vibrant and dazzling display that is often observed with well-cut gemstones.

The quality of the cut of the diamond also plays a crucial role in maximizing the dispersion effect. A well-cut diamond will have precise angles and proportions that enhance the separation of light into its colorful components, thereby intensifying the overall sparkle and brilliance of the gemstone.