iridescence

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iridescence

iridescence , exhibition of rainbowlike colors on a surface. It usually results from interference when light composed of different wavelengths is reflected from the superficial layers of organic or inorganic substances, e.g., minerals, mother-of-pearl, and the feathers of birds. Iridescence greatly enhances the value of certain gems.

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"iridescence." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 29 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"iridescence." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (November 29, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-iridesce.html

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iridescence

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Â© A Dictionary of Earth Sciences 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

iridescence Physical phenomenon in which fine colours are produced on a surface by the interference of light that is reflected from both the front and back of a thin film.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "iridescence." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 29 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "iridescence." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (November 29, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-iridescence.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "iridescence." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved November 29, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-iridescence.html

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iridescence

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Â© A Dictionary of Zoology 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

iridescence A physical phenomenon in which fine colours are produced on a surface by the interference of light that is reflected from both the front and back of a thin film.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "iridescence." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 29 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "iridescence." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (November 29, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-iridescence.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "iridescence." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved November 29, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-iridescence.html

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