Fluorescence is a special form of luminescence and describes an optical phenomenon in which a material lights up under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Since this phenomenon was first recorded in fluorite, it was named after this mineral. George Gabriel Stokes was the first to describe the characteristics of fluorescence in 1852.
fluorescence in diamonds
Approximately one third of all diamonds exhibit a stronger or weaker fluorescence. However, only 10% of these gemstones are affected by this (noted in the certificate as medium, strong or very strong fluorescence).
More than 95% of diamonds with fluorescence show a blue color under UV light, and very rarely other colors such as yellow or white appear. Blue is the complementary color to yellow, the most common color in diamonds. Diamonds with medium to strong fluorescence are often preferred, as this makes the tinted colors appear whiter.
The intensity of fluorescence does not have a significant impact on the appearance of the vast majority of diamonds. For the majority of gemstones, neither the sparkle nor the brilliance is affected. In rare cases, diamonds with very strong fluorescence may appear cloudy or oily, but this only applies to less than 0.2% of fluorescent diamonds.
Fluorescence has a positive effect on colored diamonds because it improves the color effect and brilliance. In some fancy diamonds, fluorescence even creates beautiful color effects and the diamonds appear to literally glow.
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