Diamond Properties : Fluorescence and Phosphorescence

Fluorescence is a characteristic that makes some diamonds appear to change color when they are exposed to the ultraviolet light that surrounds us every day in sunlight, and in the light produced by fluorescent bulbs.

An interesting property of some diamonds is that they can glow in the dark. When illuminated by ultraviolet light, certain diamonds can absorb the high-energy radiation and re-emit it as visible light. These diamonds are called fluorescent. Some can even continue glowing after the ultraviolet source is turned off. These diamonds are phosphorescent. More information about diamond fluorescence.

This 2.15-carat, cushion-cut diamond fluoresces in daylight but not in incandescent light, such as that given off by a light bulb. It is a color-change diamond, going from intense, greenish yellow in fluorescent light or daylight to yellowish brown in incandescent light.

This Brazilian diamond has a historic pedigree, having been given by Pedro II de Alcantara (1825-91), emperor of Brazil, to his niece. Dom Pedro II, a descendant of the Hapsburg family and the Braganza royal family that ruled Portugal, ascended to the throne of Brazil in 1831 and ruled until 1889. He was a scientist in his own right and was greatly interested in diamonds, mineral specimens, and geology.

Other Properties of Diamond.