Full Idea
Many seemingly mundane properties of elements such as the characteristic color of gold ....can best be explained by relativistic effects due to fast-moving inner-shell electrons.
Gist of Idea
The colour of gold is best explained by relativistic effects due to fast-moving inner-shell electrons
Source
Eric R. Scerri (The Periodic Table [2007], 01 'Under')
Book Reference
Scerri,Eric R.: 'The Periodic Table' [OUP 2007], p.24
A Reaction
John Locke - I wish you were reading this! That we could work out the hidden facts of gold, and thereby explain and predict the surface properties we experience, is exactly what Locke thought to be forever impossible.
Related Idea
Idea 16731 Colours arise from the rarity, density and mixture of matter [Digby]