Surface Color: An Overview of Natural and Artificial Coloration
Color is a fundamental feature of the physical world, and understanding its mechanics can be useful in a variety of fields, from art to manufacturing. This article is an overview of the natural and artificial ways in which a surface may be colored, and the properties and applications of the resultant color.
Natural Coloration
Surface coloration can be the result of natural processes such as weathering or different elemental compositions. Weathering is the process of physical and chemical erosion which can result in a variety of colors and textures on a surface (Kardux, et al., 2017). The range of colors is the result of the oxidation of different elements which are found in varying concentrations across the surface (Kardux, et al., 2017). These colors are often seen in eroded rocks or soils, and are an example of natural coloration.
The second form of natural coloration is the result of different elemental compositions. The color of a material is determined by the reflectance of different wavelengths of light which is in turn determined by the chemical composition of the material (Foley, 2019). For example, the bright blue color of lapis lazuli is the result of the combination of sulfur, iron, and silicates (Foley, 2019). As such, different materials will have different natural colors as a result of their elemental compositions, which can be used to identify them.
Artificial Coloration
Artificial coloration is the result of the addition of pigments to a surface. Pigments are small molecules which absorb certain wavelengths of light, resulting in the coloration of a material (Brown, et al., 2017). These molecules can be natural or synthetic, and are used to achieve a wide range of colors. The most common pigments are dyes, which are used to make colored fabrics or paints (Brown, et al., 2017). Pigments can also be used to create colored surfaces for various applications, such as adhesives, coatings, or other materials (Brown, et al., 2017).
Applications
The applications of colored surfaces are numerous, and range from aesthetic to functional. For example, colored surfaces can be used for decorative purposes, such as in the creation of artwork. Color can also be used to convey meaning, such as in the use of colored flags or traffic signals. In addition, colored surfaces can be used for functional purposes, such as in the creation of camouflage or to reduce glare. Colored surfaces can also be used to indicate the presence of hazardous materials or to indicate temperature, such as in the case of thermochromic materials.
Conclusion
In conclusion, surface color is a feature of the physical world that is determined by both natural and artificial processes. Natural coloration can be the result of weathering or different elemental compositions, while artificial coloration is the result of the addition of pigments. The applications of colored surfaces are numerous and range from aesthetic to functional.
References
Brown, S. M., Beers, K. M., Burrell, E., & Domski, J. (2017). Identification and assessment of pigments and dyes. In Pigment and Dye Identification (pp. 3-14). Elsevier Ltd.
Foley, J. (2019). Lapis lazuli—the most beautiful blue in the world. Smithsonian. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/lapis-lazuli-most-beautiful-blue-world-180972439/
Kardux, J., de Boer, W. F., & Nieuwenhuis, F. E. (2017). Weathering processes and their products. In Weathering (pp. 3-17). Elsevier Ltd.