Dichroscope

/ˈdaɪkɹoʊskoʊp/ noun

Definition

An optical instrument used to examine and demonstrate the dichroic properties of crystals and minerals by showing how they appear in two different colors under different light conditions.

Etymology

From Greek 'di-' (two) + 'chroa' (color) + 'skopeein' (to examine). Developed in the 19th century as a practical tool for mineralogists and gemologists to identify stones.

Kelly Says

Unlike a dichrooscope which is more for scientific measurement, a dichroscope is a handheld tool—gem hunters in mines used them to spot valuable dichroic stones quickly!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.