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The Conversation USA

Why are rubies red and emeralds green? Their colors come from the same metal in their atomic structure

  • Written by Daniel Freedman, Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management, University of Wisconsin-Stout
imageRubies get their bright color from some fascinating chemistry. Matthew Hill/Bloomberg Creative Photos via Getty Images

The colors of rubies and emeralds are so striking that they define shades of red and green – ruby red and emerald green. But have you ever wondered how they get those colors?

I am an inorganic chemist. Researchers in my field...

Read more: Why are rubies red and emeralds green? Their colors come from the same metal in their atomic...

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