"Why are things colored? Why is the sky blue? Why is fire yellow? What about flamingos or emeralds?
Scholars have learned that all the colors in the universe originate from a mere fifteen fundamental physical causes. These causes appear over and over, lending color to the world around us. Some common causes seem logical -- for example, both light bulbs and candles are colored by incandescence -- and others are surprising -- did you know that the colors of peacock feathers and bubbles are both caused by interference? These fifteen causes of color derived from a variety of physical and chemical mechanisms are summarized in five groups in this exhibit. "
Causes of Colors - Why are things colored?
