Top 10 Gemstones that Exhibit Different Colors when Observed at Different Angles (Pleochroic Gemstones)
Pleochroism is an optical phenomenon where a gem has different colors when observed at different angles. This ability makes some gems more interesting.
Andalusite has very strong pleochroism, which gives andalusite unique combinations of color.
Colors that can be seen from different angles: green-brown, dark red, purple/ violet
Another gem with strong pleochroism.
Colors that can be seen from different angles: blue, dark red, purple, orange, green (the image shows part of these colors)
A lesser known gem with cool color(s) and very good hardness (7-7.5 / 10).
Colors that can be seen from different angles: blue, violet, pale yellow, pale blue
Colors that can be seen from different angles: blue, red-purple, yellow-green.
But yellow-green hues aren't desired in this gem and Tanzanite usually gets treatments that remove them.
Colors that can be seen from different angles: violet, clear/colorless, pink, purple
From colorless to dark blue, depending on the angle
Colors that can be seen from different angles: green, blue-green, brown-green, yellow-green
Blue zircon has the strongest pleochroism in the zircon family.
Colors that can be seen from different angles in a blue zircon gem: blue, clear/colorless, gray
Green, brown-green, blue-green