Gold ore (left) and Citrine (right) Gold has long been a symbol of prosperity ac

Question

Gold ore (left) and Citrine (right) Gold has long been a symbol of prosperity across a number of different cultures, and the color of gold has been associated with wealth and status. Most metals have a "metallic" color, and when polished, become very shiny. However, gold maintains its brilliant color regardless. Of course, the color of gold is not limited to gold itself. Citrine (a type of quartz, or SiO2) also has a brilliant yellow-orange color, and is commonly used as a gemstone. So why do these materials have this color, and are the fundamental reasons for having this color the same for both materials? In plain language, and using illustrations and drawings if necessary, explain how gold and citrine gets their color, and if both materials get this color for the same reason. You should explain this in the context of how these materials interact with light (at an atomic/electron level) using concepts that we have discussed

Explanation / Answer

In general the absorption of different colour is not equal i.e object will absorb specific colour of light and not other. When sunlight reaches to the piece of gold, it does not absorb green and red light and tend to absorb blue light.

And mainly mixing if brown and yellow light gives the golden colour.

Citrine gets its colour by heat-treated to obtain its attractive golden colour because natural citrine is not common.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse G
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.