Understanding Chromism: Deviation from Expected Color in Materials

Chromism is the phenomenon of color absorption or transmission by a material, resulting in the deviation from the expected color. It can occur due to various factors such as impurities, defects, or the presence of multiple materials with different refractive indices. Chromism can be observed in various materials, including glass, crystals, and pigments.

Question: What is the difference between chromism and fluorescence ?
Chromism and fluorescence are both optical phenomena that involve the absorption and emission of light, but they differ in their underlying mechanisms and characteristics. Chromism is the deviation from the expected color due to the absorption or transmission of light by a material, while fluorescence is the emission of light by a material after it has absorbed energy. In chromism, the material does not emit any light, whereas in fluorescence, the material emits light with a longer wavelength than the absorbed light.

Question: What are some common examples of chromism ?
Some common examples of chromism include:

1. Colorful glass: Glass can exhibit chromism due to impurities or defects in its structure, resulting in a range of colors.
2. Crystals: Crystals can also display chromism due to their complex internal structures and defects.
3. Pigments: Pigments can exhibit chromism if they contain impurities or have a non-uniform composition.
4. Optical fibers: Optical fibers can exhibit chromism due to the presence of impurities or defects in their structure.
5. Color filters: Color filters, such as those used in digital cameras, can exhibit chromism due to the absorption and transmission of light by different materials.