Opalescence vs. Turbidity

Opalescencenoun

the state of being opalescent

Turbiditynoun

The state of being turbid; turbidness.

Opalescencenoun

(physics) the milky iridescent appearance of a dense transparent medium when it is illuminated by polychromatic visible radiation (such as sunlight) due to local fluctuations in its density and therefore in its refractive index

Turbiditynoun

The measure of transparency of a fluid (units of measurement include Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU)).

Opalescencenoun

A reflection of a milky or pearly light from the interior of a mineral, as in the moonstone; the state or quality of being opalescent.

Turbiditynoun

Turbidness.

Opalescencenoun

the visual property of something having a milky brightness

Turbiditynoun

muddiness created by stirring up sediment or having foreign particles suspended

Opalescence

Opalescence refers to the optical phenomena displayed by the mineraloid gemstone opal (hydrated silicon dioxide). However, there are three notable types of opal (precious, common, and fire), each with different optical effects, so the intended meaning varies depending on context.

Turbidity

Turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye, similar to smoke in air. The measurement of turbidity is a key test of water quality.