Chemistry, Colour and Light

Chemistry, colour and light are all closely connected as light and colour play key roles in many chemical reactions.  This site looks at two examples in which all three link together to provide fascinating results.

A very interesting example of colour is observed in the carbon allotrope of diamond.  Diamond is a simple gemstone but it has been mined in many different colours.  The famous Hope diamond is deep blue, the Tiffany is yellow, and the Dresden Green is another example.  Other colours include violet, orange and pink, and even black, white and brown.  Brown diamonds were relegated to industrial uses but after a Australian marketing campaign have now been termed "cognac" and "champagne" diamonds.

    The "Heart of the Ocean" - this beautiful blue diamond appeared in the film

                                                            "Titanic" but is sadly fictional.

http://www.angelfire.com/il/cangels/heart.html

Some chemical reactions produce light in the process of chemiluminescence.  A very good example is that of light sticks, like those used by campers and divers.  Different combinations of chemicals are mixed together causing a reaction which give out different colours of light depending on the fluorescent dyes used.

http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~mtc/Lightstick.html