Optics Question?

Question

Why do diamonds sparkle more than ordinary glass? Is it due to index of refraction, the number of facets, or something else entirely? Explain what happens.

Thank you for your answers in advance! It is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

It is a combination of things. First diamond has the highest index of refraction. Also, the diamond you buy has been cut to amplify the index of refraction.

Answer 2

Just to put this out there, Zirconium is actually way more sparkly, though it is made very cheaply, so stores say they suck, to make more money.

To answer your question, it is probably because of the structure of the crystal.

Answer 3

The refractive index of diamond is indeed the largest, ie 2.42 with respect to air. Another reason is that the critical angle of diamond is quite less, 24.4 degrees. Hence, when light of an angle of incidence more than its critical angle falls on the diamond facets, total internal reflection takes place and the light ray is reflected many times within the diamond crystal itself. Therefore it makes diamond sparkle as we see the ray being reflected numerous times before emerging out. This phenomena does not take place in ordinary glass hence diamond sparkles more than glass.