Book 27, Question 83 · Video
What makes an opal flash rainbow colors?
Opal is made of tiny silica spheres stacked in neat layers, with water in between. When light enters, the layers bend it and split it into colors, creating flashes that change as you turn the stone. This is called play of color. Opals aren't true crystals because their pattern is not completely regular, but they shimmer. Much of the world's opal is found in Australia.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What makes an opal flash rainbow colors?
The Big Idea
Turn an opal in the light. Rainbow colors flash and dance! How does it do that?
Tiny Spheres
Step one: Tiny Spheres. Opal is made of tiny silica spheres stacked in neat layers, with water in between. The spheres are far too small to see.
Splitting Light
Step two: Splitting Light. When light enters, the layers bend it and split it into colors. That creates flashes that change as you turn the stone, called play of color.
Not Quite Crystal
Step three: Not Quite Crystal. Opals aren't true crystals because their pattern is not completely regular, but they shimmer. Much of the world's opal is found in Australia.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Spheres stack. Water fills gaps. Light splits. Australia has lots.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Opal can contain up to about 20 percent water. Play of color. Colors change as it turns. Mostly from Australia.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Look at a CD in the light. Look at a soap bubble too. Notice the rainbow colors. Turn them slowly. Write how they're like an opal.
Outro
Opal flashes rainbow colors because it's made of tiny silica spheres stacked in layers that bend and split light. The colors change as you turn it. Much of the world's opal comes from Australia. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!