Unlock the Mystery Behind The Hope Diamond Glow

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SUMMARY

The Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat deep-blue diamond housed in the Smithsonian Institution, exhibits a unique deep red glow after exposure to ultraviolet light. This phenomenon has been scientifically explained and is not an anomaly. The diamond has a storied history, including tales of being plucked from a Hindu idol, although this claim is disputed. The diamond's appearance in person has been described as underwhelming due to its display conditions.

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  • Understanding of gemology and diamond characteristics
  • Familiarity with ultraviolet light effects on gemstones
  • Knowledge of the history of famous gemstones
  • Basic concepts of light refraction and brilliance in diamonds
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  • Research the scientific principles behind fluorescence in gemstones
  • Explore the history and lore of the Hope Diamond
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  • Investigate the Smithsonian Institution's gem collection and its significance
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Gemologists, historians, museum curators, and anyone interested in the science and lore surrounding famous gemstones.

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Jan. 8, 2008 -- The eerie smoldering glow of the world's largest rare blue diamond has finally been explained -- and it's neither unique nor a mere oddity.

The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat, deep-blue diamond that sits center stage in the Smithsonian Institution's United States Gem Collection. The object of intrigue for almost four centuries, the diamond has more recently been puzzling scientists because of the deep red glow it gives off for several seconds after being bathed in ultraviolet light. [continued]
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/01/08/hope-diamond.html
 
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ohhhh ahhhhhhh that's pretty!
 
Here is a strange fact... The hope diamond was plucked from the eye of an ancient hindu idol.
ooh.. an idol with a glowing red eye.. lol That is one pretty diamond.

Regards,

-map
 
it was a hindu idol . . . well known for their glowing eyes.
 
Oh, WOW, that is one pretty diamond. I honestly didn't think diamonds could get that big and look so perfect, too.
 
I saw this diamond about 10 years ago. Too bad I was too young to really remember it.
 
I'm sure it was extremely beautiful though, dispite the fact you can't remember :biggrin:
 
There was NO idol involved, and the stone may have been re-cut several times over the years. I facet stones as a hobby, and re-faceting is a procedure fraught with problems - you always lose mass when trying to re-cut to maximize brilliance or to improve symmetry.
 
  • #10
I remember it a little, just not as much as I wish I did. It was behind some showcase. I'm pretty sure I saw it in Washington DC somewhere. Not the Smithsonian.
 
  • #11
Evo said:
I've seen it a couple of times and it's not that impressive in person, I guess due to all of the hype.

You're obviously a high maintenance lady Evo!

Garth
 
  • #12
Garth said:
You're obviously a high maintenance lady Evo!

Garth

:smile: No kidding. If you can't impress a lady with the Hope Diamond...
 
  • #13
It's hard to look impressive behind four-inch thick glass... I remember thinking it looks pretty pedestrian, too--- but I'll bet we'd change our collective tune if we could hold the thing!
 

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