Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pleochroism

noun

/ˌpliːoʊˈkroʊɪzəm/

Definition

Pleochroism is the property of certain crystals to display different colors when viewed from different angles.

Examples

Tourmaline exhibits pleochroism, showing greens and pinks when viewed from different perspectives.
In some mineral specimens, the color shifts dramatically based on the angle of light, demonstrating pleochroism.
Sapphires can also show pleochroism, appearing blue from one angle and colorless from another.

Meaning

This phenomenon occurs due to the absorption of different wavelengths of light by the crystal, leading to varying colors depending on the direction of observation.