Question

Why does a diamond shine more than a glass piece cut the same shapeer?

Answer 1

Diamond has more refractive index than glass,its refractive index is 2.54 whereas refractive index of glass is 1.5 only. When light enters it , and incidents one of its side at critical angle , then it reflects it back into the same medium ,this phenomenon of reflecting back light in same medium is called Total internal reflection, this happens many times leading to its shining whereas Total internal reflection doesnot takes place in glass due to less refractive index.

Answer 2

Answer:

Diamond has a very high refractive index (about 2.42 compared to about 1.5 for glass). ... So if you compare a diamond to a piece of glass cut into the same shape, the diamond will reflect more light and therefore it will sparkle more. The sparkling isn't just the high refractive index - the shape matters too.