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The Beauty of Refraction

----The fascinating effects created by the facets of a crystal.

 

You will certainly have noticed it yourself when examining your crystal collection, and it probably forms a large part of crystal¡¯s appeal for you ¨C as the light cast onto a cut crystal object changes, so does the effect created by the piece. Whether the crystal sits by a window, is held directly in sunlight, is placed under and artificial light, or beside and open fire, the display of colour is always different and totally unique. The effect is truly captivation, and is all thanks to refraction, this is the term used to describe the process whereby light is bent as it hits an object, with varying results depending on the number of facets it contains.

 

But why exactly does this occur? Scientists around the world have long studied this beautiful effect, taking measurements and attempting to pinpoint the exact physics behind the phenomenon. Research in this field is far from easy as these variable effects are caused by light, which travels through the universe at an imperceptible speed of almost 300000 kilometres per second. When light meets crystal, it is slowed to 190000 kilometres per second, causing the light waves to bend at different angles and spread out, creating a spectrum of colours which we call spectral colours. You see these whenever you place a crystal-clear stone near a light source ¨C the colours of a rainbow suddenly appear where previously there was no colour at all.

 

The works of Sir Isaac New ton (1643-1727) in the field of light and optics were of great importance. His experiments passing sunlight through a prism led to the discovery of the nature of white light and laid the foundation of physical optics.

 

The prevailing belief at the time held that white was a single colour. Newton, however, argued that it was combination of all other colours. To prove this, he directed a beam of white light through a prism, then allowed the diffused colours to enter a second prism, at which point they recombined as white light.

 

Although his theory was replaced by the wave theory in the 19th century, he remains one of the founding fathers of this area of natural science.

 

Crystal belongs to one of the few substances that create this natural wonder, and the better polished the piece and the more facts it boasts, the greater the effect. Thus, a cut crystal featuring several facts refracts the light many times, creating truly breathtaking light shows. It¡¯s also clear the not all crystals are the same ¨C if you compare a Swarovski piece to standard crystal, you can see with the naked eye how differently the light is cast. The captivation effects created by Swarovski crystals are the result of the company¡¯s proprietary cutting technology.

 

Experiment with crystal yourself and carry out some research into the effects of light on different surfaces ¨C for example, if you place the crystal against a white background you¡¯ll see a totally different image than if you use a darker shade. You can then create a totally unique display for your crystal that shows off all the beauty and energy of what is a stunning effect.