Colored Gemstone Certificate
The color of a gemstone is a crucial feature in its selection. Fashion designers and astrologers choose colored gemstones based on their hues. The color of a gemstone is determined by the material it is composed of, as different elements absorb light in various ways, affecting the appearance of the color. Gemstones are categorized into two main types based on their color.
Self Colored (Idiochromatic)
Colored gemstones with a single, consistent color are known as idiochromatic gems. For example, malachite is always green due to its copper (Cu) content, which acts as a coloring agent and is essential to its composition. The coloring element within a mineral’s crystal structure determines its characteristic color. Similarly, peridot consistently exhibits shades of green due to its high iron content.
Other Colored (Allochromatic)
Some colored gemstones, like sapphires, are initially colorless and achieve their hue through the addition of coloring agents. The color of most objects, including gemstones, is determined by how they interact with light. For example, opal absorbs and refracts light to create “plays of color” that vary with the viewing angle. In most gemstones, our perception of color changes based on which wavelengths of light are absorbed or reflected. If a gemstone appears red, it absorbs all other colors of the spectrum except red. Different lighting conditions can also alter the gemstone’s color.
To measure the color of a gemstone, we use a grading scale to assess its hue and generate a detailed report. This report includes the defined color types of the gemstone. There are specific color categories that the gemstone’s color will fall into, allowing for precise classification.
