Brilliance of diamond is due to

[amp_mcq option1=”interference of light” option2=”diffraction of light” option3=”polarization of light” option4=”total internal reflection of light” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The extraordinary brilliance and sparkle of a cut diamond are primarily due to its high refractive index and the specific angles at which its facets are cut, which together facilitate total internal reflection of light within the stone. Light entering the diamond undergoes multiple reflections before exiting, creating the sparkling effect.

– Total Internal Reflection (TIR) occurs when light travels from a denser medium to a less dense medium at an angle greater than the critical angle.
– Diamond has a very high refractive index (around 2.42), resulting in a small critical angle (around 24.4 degrees).

– The precise cutting of diamond facets is designed to maximise TIR, ensuring that a large amount of light is reflected back out through the top of the stone, enhancing its brilliance (white light reflection) and fire (dispersion of light into spectral colours).

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