Bit of a long shot ... and a very simple question with a complicated answer i know. What elements and what combinations cause which colours in the mineral world? Sort of to explain it to a 7-year old. Cheers. Links appreciated.
2006-09-17 18:57:44 · 3 answers · asked by Part Time Cynic 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I found the following (hofepully useful) links:
2006-09-17 19:00:03 · answer #1 · answered by Walter W. Krijthe 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its not simple at all.
White light is the full spectrum as you probably know already.
Colours are obtained by reflecting part of the spectrum.
At the atomic level compounds are joined by sharing electrons.
The shared electrons exist at discrete energy levels, jumping from one energy level to another requires a change in energy.
Photons of light strike to object and typically they are released.
The amount of energy that is released is dependant on the discrete energy levels that the electrons can exist at.
A compound typically has electrons at various levels (the shell model of orbiting electrons fits quite well)
Colours are produced by compounds that have energy steps that equate to the visible spectrum (rather than being reflected or emitted in the invisible spectrum)
Generally transition metal compounds are coloured.
Most transition metals will produce several different colours.
See the link for some examples, near the bottom.
Most of this relies on a knowledge base beyond secondary education.
Good luck email me if you want futher info or diagrams.
2006-09-17 21:21:54 · answer #2 · answered by paul B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try wikipedia.org
2006-09-17 18:59:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋