What Does It Mean When Your Diamonds Glow Under a Blacklight?

Diamonds have a unique property known as fluorescence which causes them to emit brilliant light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Approximately 35% of natural diamonds show this effect.

What Does It Mean When Your Diamonds Glow Under a Blacklight?

Diamonds have a unique property known as fluorescence, which causes them to emit a brilliant light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Approximately 35% of natural diamonds show this effect, and the presence of certain chemical impurities within the diamond composition triggers the fluorescence. When exposed to long-wave UV rays, such as those from the sun, diamonds can emit a bluish light or, more rarely, a yellow or orange light. Once the UV light source is removed, the diamond stops emitting fluorescence. A question we hear quite often at Lee Read Diamonds in Meridian is: why do some of my diamonds glow when they are in black light? This is perfectly natural for a diamond to fluoresce and look blue under UV light.

Fluorescence occurs when a diamond shows a soft glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. This is caused by certain minerals in the diamond and appears in one third of all diamonds. A pure, natural diamond is known to produce a blue glow when exposed to black light, while impure ones have certain chemical impurities that trigger the brilliance of other colors such as green, white, red and yellow. If you go to a nightclub and it turns out that there is ultraviolet light, your diamond may start to glow blue. It is worth noting that not all diamonds have fluorescence, and those that can shine differ in the intensity of the light they emit.

If you are looking for a unique diamond engagement ring, ask the seller to show you fluorescent diamonds. Diamond fluorescence is a fascinating phenomenon in which diamonds shine when exposed to long-wave UV rays. In commerce, diamonds in the D to H color range with bluish fluorescence are often considered less desirable than diamonds of similar grade without fluorescence, because some people believe that bluish fluorescence can cause diamonds to have a hazy or oily appearance. Synthetic diamonds do not fluoresce, so if a stone is fluorescent, it is certainly a real diamond; however, keep in mind that approximately two-thirds of real diamonds do not fluoresce. By knowing how to check the authenticity of a diamond, couples can protect themselves from unscrupulous people and find a gem they cherish, whether it's a natural diamond or not. Knowing how to spot a fake diamond can prevent couples from falling for jewelry scams while ensuring that they can find a charming diamond that fits their preferences and budget.

Jerome Tarrants
Jerome Tarrants

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