Color Science · Reviewed definition

Chromophore

An element or structural feature responsible for selective light absorption and resulting color in a material.[1]

Plain English

What it means

A chromophore helps produce color by controlling which wavelengths are absorbed.

Why it matters

It connects chemistry and crystal structure to gemstone color.

What it does not tell you

The same element can produce different colors in different structural environments.

Evidence

References

  1. 1
    An Update on Color in Gems, Part 1

    Gemological Institute of America

    Open source