opalescence

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | 297 words | Copyright

opalescence In mineralogy, a pearly or milky mineral lustre resembling that of opal. It results from the reflection and refraction of light from the surface and possibly subsurface layers of the mineral. In opal, water molecules are trapped in the subsurface layers, giving the opalescent quality.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "opalescence." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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