Pleochroism for Dummies
noun
pronunciation: pli'ɑkroʊ,ɪzəmWhat does Pleochroism really mean?
Pleochroism is a fascinating word that refers to a special property that some minerals have. It basically means that these minerals have the ability to display different colors when observed from different angles. Isn't that amazing? Imagine looking at a stone and seeing it change color as you tilt it or rotate it. That's pleochroism in action!
It's like having a magical stone that is constantly changing its appearance. Just like how a chameleon changes its color to blend in with its surroundings, minerals with pleochroism have different colors hiding inside them. So when we look at them from different angles, these minerals show us their true colors, quite literally!
To understand pleochroism better, let's use an example. Imagine you have a piece of mineral that looks like a small cube. When you hold it up to the light and look at it straight on, it might appear green. But if you turn it around and look at it from a different angle, it could suddenly turn blue or even purple! It's like the mineral is playing a game with our eyes, revealing its different hues depending on how we look at it.
This phenomenon occurs because of the way light interacts with the atoms inside these minerals. Each mineral has a unique arrangement of atoms, and when light passes through them, it gets absorbed in a specific way. The absorbed light then reveals different colors depending on the angle from which we observe it. This bending and breaking of light is what creates the mesmerizing effect of pleochroism.
Now, it's important to note that not all minerals have pleochroism. Only certain ones possess this magical ability. For example, one mineral called iolite is famous for its pleochroism. When viewed from one direction, iolite looks violet-blue, but when you turn it around, it appears yellowish-gray. Another mineral, tourmaline, can be green from one angle and then change to red or blue from another.
The word "pleochroism" itself is made up of two smaller words, "pleo" and "chroism." "Pleo" means many or multiple, and "chroism" relates to color. So when we put them together, we get "pleochroism," which is all about multiple colors!
In summary, pleochroism is a special property of some minerals where they can exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles. It's like having a secret rainbow hidden inside a stone or crystal. The word itself hints at the idea of multiple colors, making it easier to remember. So next time you come across a mineral with pleochroism, remember to give it a little spin and watch its colors come to life!
It's like having a magical stone that is constantly changing its appearance. Just like how a chameleon changes its color to blend in with its surroundings, minerals with pleochroism have different colors hiding inside them. So when we look at them from different angles, these minerals show us their true colors, quite literally!
To understand pleochroism better, let's use an example. Imagine you have a piece of mineral that looks like a small cube. When you hold it up to the light and look at it straight on, it might appear green. But if you turn it around and look at it from a different angle, it could suddenly turn blue or even purple! It's like the mineral is playing a game with our eyes, revealing its different hues depending on how we look at it.
This phenomenon occurs because of the way light interacts with the atoms inside these minerals. Each mineral has a unique arrangement of atoms, and when light passes through them, it gets absorbed in a specific way. The absorbed light then reveals different colors depending on the angle from which we observe it. This bending and breaking of light is what creates the mesmerizing effect of pleochroism.
Now, it's important to note that not all minerals have pleochroism. Only certain ones possess this magical ability. For example, one mineral called iolite is famous for its pleochroism. When viewed from one direction, iolite looks violet-blue, but when you turn it around, it appears yellowish-gray. Another mineral, tourmaline, can be green from one angle and then change to red or blue from another.
The word "pleochroism" itself is made up of two smaller words, "pleo" and "chroism." "Pleo" means many or multiple, and "chroism" relates to color. So when we put them together, we get "pleochroism," which is all about multiple colors!
In summary, pleochroism is a special property of some minerals where they can exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles. It's like having a secret rainbow hidden inside a stone or crystal. The word itself hints at the idea of multiple colors, making it easier to remember. So next time you come across a mineral with pleochroism, remember to give it a little spin and watch its colors come to life!
Revised and Fact checked by James Lee on 2023-10-28 15:06:06
Pleochroism In a sentece
Learn how to use Pleochroism inside a sentece
- When you look at a piece of tourmaline under the light, it can appear to be green, pink, or sometimes even yellow. This is an example of pleochroism!
- Certain types of gemstones, like alexandrite, can show different colors when viewed from different angles. This property is called pleochroism.
- If you hold a crystal of iolite to the light and rotate it, you will notice that it can display shades of blue, violet, and yellow due to pleochroism.
- Amber is a fossilized tree resin that can exhibit pleochroism, meaning it may appear yellow, brown, or even reddish, depending on the angle of observation.
- Some minerals, such as cordierite, have pleochroism, causing them to exhibit different colors like blue, gray, and brown depending on the direction of light.
Pleochroism Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.
Pleochroism Hyponyms
Words that are more specific than the original word.