Here's a more technical approach to my emerald study. Just for a recap, I was photographing these objects to demonstrate the behavior of light through translucent objects. The principles of refraction, reflection, dispersion and diffusion are easily exemplified when using emeralds. Later I'll get into some theory as to how they could be used as the power sources we see in the games. So If you are willing to read through, I can guarantee you that you will learn something new and interesting, whether it be about physics and optics or perhaps a deeper understanding of the game we've already come to know and love. ^^
So, just to clarify:
Refraction is the bending of light through translucent mediums such as glass and water. This occurs because the light passing through it is actually slowed down due to the properties of the material. This causes the path of light to bend slightly, subsequently causing the distortion and separation of images when seen through a medium. The simplest example of this is the loss of depth perception when looking at the bottom of the pool from above the water.
Dispersion is when a wave of light is split into it's spectral components. In other words, white light is split into different colors. This again happens because the speed of the light entering a medium slows down. Given the right conditions, the components making up the light will "outrun" the other components, causing the separation of color. Probably the easiest example of this is a rainbow caused by many droplets of water.
Diffusion is when the light is "spread" over surfaces due to that surface's texture properties. Even though an emerald itself has very little diffusive properties, a surface with diffusive properties must be used to observe the patterns of light the emerald produces. Fogged glass and paper are good examples of diffusive surfaces.
Finally, Reflection is when waves of light bounce off a surface. This is important because as you will see, the emerald acts partly as a mirror, taking in and bouncing back any light that may enter it from a certain angle.
When a strong light is shown through an emerald, all four principles occur at once and often times compound each other. For example the dispersed light is reflected back into the emerald which is then refracted to another facet to produce a distinct pattern of light which is diffused on a piece of paper. The end result is a spectacular light show, all due to a single source of light and a crystal.
Now then, we got the principles down, what about the shape itself? Why is a "chaos emerald" shaped like a "diamond"? Did Sega's designers choose them because they simply looked cool? Probably. XD As I see it, they chose, whether it be consciously or subconsciously, for the emeralds to resemble diamonds due to their refined quality and brilliance.
But there is a bit more to it. I did some digging and and it turns out that the shape of these chaos emeralds can actually be deeper than meets the eye, so to speak. You see, they are in the shape that jewelers call a "brilliant cut" It consists of 58 facets, each mathematically aligned to amplify, split and reflect light. Basically said, they were DESIGNED to take advantage of light that passes through it. Light seems to disperse near the bottom and concentrate near the top. If the light source were in the center, both instances would be happening at once. The dispersed light also creates distinct, quantized patterns of light that can be observed through refraction.
Now, here's the interesting twist story wise. It might be a bit sketchy but see if you can follow. If you were to replace light with plasma or another form of energy, say something that behaves like electrical charge, this design would be rather useful because the divergence and convergence flow will create what is known as a feedback loop, allowing the emerald to circulate and store large amounts of energy as long as it is kept resonating. The Emerald would act somewhat as an inductive battery and the energy it contains could easily be tapped using an apparatus, much like what Eggman would do or, if this form of energy permits, be fed directly into an organic body. I'm sure there are more efficient designs if one was to use them in this manner but this one is certainly plausible if you look at it this way.
Anyway, sorry if anything was confusing. Feel free to ask questions as always! I'd love to hear your feedback! *bows*
thats alot better than what sega have on chaos emeralds i net XD i bet they just have 'they are glowy and make you super' XD its hard to tell how many faces there are, there are 57 clear faces but i dont know wether you include the rim on the side and the little flat bit on the bottom, presumable to stand it up that would make 59, so i guess 58 is a good average XD
Ah yes, I've noticed that too. I think it's 58 if you include the little flat tip on the bottom of the diamond. They apparently call it the "culet" and grind that slightly so that it keeps the tip from breaking. So it's 57 facets plus 1 culet, I think. XD
That is absolutely awesome. I love the concept and your explanations for it all. However, your bit about the shape; diamonds that look that way have been cut to be that shape, so it doesn't occur naturally. I'm sure you realize this but didn't think on it.
Yes, they were in essence designed by someone for the game, but perhaps think about who could've cut them in ancient times from the raw, powerful stones they were.
Also, why? Does the fact that they come to point at the bottom have anything to do with the way the energy in them is directed or concentrated? Think about that. It's a useful idea because real precious and nonprecious stones work like this as well.
-- Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass the world is too full to talk about.
Sorry, I meant to say, I know you understand it was cut to be that way. I was referring more to how they were engineered in the SONIC world. That something or someone had to have caused them to be that way and have that specific shape.
-- Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass the world is too full to talk about.
this is really interesting! I didn't think it'd be so easy to understand the behavior of light on an emerald, but it is.
and your theory of how an emerald could hold power is really inspiring. I believe you could eventually take advantage of that theory and/or others and make real chaos emeralds 8)
very nice illustration and explanation, I was able to follow the whole thing.
-- "=" [ Equality : Balance : Perfection ] "N" [ Variable : Change : Choice ] "<" [ Growth : Experience : More ] "=N<" [ Life ]
New deals posted everyday, starting Black Friday and running through the holiday season! No hassles, no lines - just awesome savings on art, deviantWEAR, Premium Memberships and more!
This article is about best photo manipulation art done in November, picked by me. It doesn't necessarily mean it is really the best; but it rather reflects my personal taste in the subject. I recommend you take a look and tell me Your opinion.
My aim, It could open the way for many photo manipulators to get visits and watched as well.
Project Comment is a project that features the generally obscured and underappreciated artists and their art in regular news articles. Our objective is to recognise deviants who deserve more recognition and to feature deviations with less than 10 original comments.
The 0-5 Comments Issues feature a deviant as well as 3 deviations with less than 5 original comments from a wide selection of art. Please give your time to this article and to write constructive comments so that you make a true difference to the artists featured here.
Daily Literature Deviations is a group that is dedicated to bringing literature to the forefront of the deviantArt community. We attempt to accomplish this by daily featuring Literature artists from around the community that deserve the recognition, but are not getting it.
Each day we will feature 5 deviations from the Literature categories in a News Article. In order to support the artists that we feature, we ask that you the news article as well as check out the individual pieces. We understand that each day you may not be able to check out each and every one of the pieces, everyone has their own things going on. We just ask that you make an attempt to help support the growing Literature community.
^Ikue has been a devious member of our community for almost 7 years and in this time he has proven to be nothing short of decicated and devoted. Whilst volunteering his time over the last 22 months as a Gallery Moderator within the Community Relations Team, Chris has brought the Vector gallery and many vector artists directly into the spotlight. ^Ikue's commitment to the community is evident in everything he touches and you can always find him reaching out to others with an encouraging word. Chris is a natural leader with a vibrant and empathic personality, and is a role model for deviants everywhere. It's ev... Read More
Comments
--
Visit Ma Page - Visit the HCC, the Honey the Cat Club
Thanks for the feedback Trakker! *bows* ^^
You've put a good amount of detail into this,
--
Well an author's job is never done till next time readers
Yes, they were in essence designed by someone for the game, but perhaps think about who could've cut them in ancient times from the raw, powerful stones they were.
Also, why? Does the fact that they come to point at the bottom have anything to do with the way the energy in them is directed or concentrated? Think about that. It's a useful idea because real precious and nonprecious stones work like this as well.
--
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I'll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.
--
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I'll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.
Anyway that's a really neat study pic! Greatwork!
--
- Matthew Raizoku
and your theory of how an emerald could hold power is really inspiring. I believe you could eventually take advantage of that theory and/or others and make real chaos emeralds 8)
very nice illustration and explanation, I was able to follow the whole thing.
--
"=" [ Equality : Balance : Perfection ]
"N" [ Variable : Change : Choice ]
"<" [ Growth : Experience : More ]
"=N<" [
Boris: °0* blargh!
--
Boris: IF you want to see a funny soviet look at my gallery
METAL2: Yes and hes an idiot ¬¬
NINJA2: Defently
Boris: °0* blargh!
--
Boris: IF you want to see a funny soviet look at my gallery
METAL2: Yes and hes an idiot ¬¬
NINJA2: Defently
Previous Page12345...Next Page