The Role of Copper and Silver in

the Colouration of Metallic Luster

Decorations (Tunisia, 9th Century;
Mesopotamia, 10th Century;
Sicily, 16th Century): A First
Approach

O. Bobin,1* M. Schvoerer,1 C. Ney,1

M. Rammah,2 B. Pannequin,3
E. Cilia Platamone,4 A. Daoulatli,5
R. P. Gayraud6
1
Centre de Recherche de Physique Appliquée à l’Archéologie, IRAMAT, Université de Bordeaux 3, CNRS, Esplanade
des Antilles, 33607 Pessac cedex, France

2
Institut National du Patrimoine, Mausolé Sidi Abid, Kairouan, Tunisie

3
Musée National de la Céramique, Place de la Manufacture, Sèvres, France

4
Museo Regionale della Ceramica, Caltagirone, Sicily, Italia

5
Institut National du Patrimoine, 4 Place du Château, 1008 Tunis, Tunisie

6
Laboratoire d’Archéologie Médiéval Mediterranı́nne, 5 rue du château de l’horloge, BP647,
13094 Aix en Provence, France

Received 16 April 2002; 9 October 2002; accepted 6 December 2002

Abstract: The metallic luster of glazed ceramics is a very
special type of decoration. Its optical properties are char-
acterized by a change of colour according to the observa-
tion conditions. In diffuse light, these decorations are often
green, brown, or ochre-yellow. In specular reflection, they
show an associated coloured metallic reflection (blue, gold-
en-yellow, orange, etc.). Metallic copper and/or silver col-
loids almost always compose the metallic luster decora-
tions. We wish to define the role of these two metals in the
colouration observed both in diffuse light and in specular
reflection. Our investigations show that a relationship exists
between the proportions of copper and silver, and the dif-
fuse colour. The green decorations contain more silver than
copper, and the ochre-yellow and brown decorations con-
tain more copper than silver. This specific correlation only
exists if the samples have the same type of glaze and,
especially, a similar chemical composition. This means that
the composition of the glaze has an important influence in
the colouration process. Moreover, our investigations show
that there is no relationship between the specular colour
and the overall concentration of copper and silver. © 2003
Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 28, 352–359, 2003; Published online
in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.
10183

Key words: color vision; color measurement; history;

*Correspondence to: Olivier Bobin, CRPAA–UMR, 5060 Université de
Bordeaux 3/CNRS, Maison de l’Archéologie, Esplanade des Antilles, 33607 chemical analysis; archaeomaterials; luster decoration;
Pessac cedex, France (e-mail: obobin@etu.montaigne.u-bordeaux.free.fr) glazed ceramics; copper; silver; Kairouan; Mesopotamia;
© 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syracuse

352 COLOR research and application

FIG. 1. Fragment of a Kairouan tile (9th century AD, Tunisia).
Green, brown, and ochre-yellow polychromatic metallic lus-
ter decoration observed in diffuse light.
INTRODUCTION
For 10 centuries, many potters have tried to reproduce a
glazed ceramic decoration, the so-called metallic luster.
This decoration appeared in the early Islamic world (Meso-
potamia, 700 AD).1,2 It is a copper- and/or silver-based
decoration, which requires a final firing at low temperature
(600 –700°C) in a partially reducing atmosphere.3 This pro-
cess implies the development of metallic copper and/or
silver colloidal particles about 10 nm in diameter.4 – 6 These
nanoparticles have already been observed by transmission
electron microscopy.7,8,9 They imply that metallic luster
decorations have specific optical properties. These decora-
tions can be green, brown, or ochre-yellow (Fig. 1) when
they are observed in diffused light. In this case, we use the
term diffuse colour. Under specular reflection, these deco-
rations show a colour associated with the metallic reflection
(blue, orange, golden-yellow, coppery red, etc.) (Fig. 2) that
we call specular colour.
This type of decoration is a problem for archaeologists or
architects who want to rediscover this specific process and
FIG. 2. Fragment of a Kairouan tile (9th century AD, Tunisia).
Specular reflection observation. Golden-yellow metallic re-
flection associated with a green decoration. Blue metallic
reflection associated with a brown decoration. Green metal-
lic reflection associated with an ochre-yellow decoration.
Volume 28, Number 5, October 2003
FIG. 3. The mihrab of the Sidi Oqba Mosque in Kairouan
(9th century AD, Tunisia). This alcove at the far end of prayer
hall indicates the direction of Mecca.
to establish the origin of archaeological samples. This topic
also interests physicists who try to establish the factors
responsible for these different colorations (diffuse and spec-
ular colours).
In this work, we studied the lustrous tiles of the Sidi Oqba
Mosque of Kairouan (Tunisia, 832– 863 AD) (Fig. 3), which
are still in place on the mihrab, which is an alcove at the far
end of the prayer hall, indicating the direction of Mecca.
This fabulous patrimony is in danger because of the large
number of tiles that are either broken or in fragments.
Therefore, there is a need for restoration or replacement by
facsimiles. We think that knowledge of the physical char-
acteristics of this type of ceramic decoration could help us
to carry out experiments to recreate lustrous tiles.
In this article, we attempt to determine whether a corre-
spondence exists between the diffuse colour, and the copper
and silver concentrations. We also attempt to establish
whether there is also a correspondence with the specular
colour. Finally, we compare the chemical composition of
the luster-decoration in the case of the Kairouan tiles and
samples from Mesopotamia and Sicily, because we wish to
investigate the probable evolution of the luster process.
EXPERIMENTAL
We analyzed 8 Kairouan luster tiles (3 with green mono-
chromatic decoration and 5 with green, brown, and ochre-
yellow polychromatic decoration),10 4 Mesopotamian lus-
ter-pottery samples with a green, brown, and ochre-yellow
polychromatic decoration (excavated in Iraq and conserved
in Musée National de la Céramique, Sèvres, France), and 7
Sicilian luster-pottery samples with a brown monochro-
matic decoration (excavated in Syracuse but probably made
in Paterna or Manises, Spain, and conserved in Museo
Regionale della Ceramica, Caltagirone, Sicilia, Italia).11
We conducted the physical study of the colour using a
Minolta portable spectroradiometer (CS 1000) that analyzes
353

light reflected by objects. Therefore, this equipment is es-
pecially suitable for our work, allowing the spectral analysis
of both colours of the luster decoration on the same area
(diffuse and specular colours). For a 20-cm investigation
length, a 1.5-mm spot is analyzed. The spectral range in-
cludes only visible light (380 –780 nm). From the obtained
reflectance spectra, we investigated the chromaticity of lus-
ter decoration using the International Commission on Illu-
mination (CIE) a*,b*.
The chemical compositions of decorations were deter-
mined by an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS),
with a 20 keV electron beam, coupled with a scanning
electron microscope. These analyses were obtained from the
surface of samples.12 All the investigated zones had a sur-
face area of 1080 ⫻ 875 ␮m. The analytic results are
expressed in atomic percent and normalized percent, with
the use of the Cu/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⫻ 100 and Ag/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⫻
100 ratios.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Colorimetric Study
The Diffuse Colour of Decorations. Figure 4 shows the
points corresponding to decorations observed in diffused
light (green, brown, and ochre-yellow) within an a*,b*
diagram. We can define three groups.
The first group is the green decoration group, with the
points in the green–yellow quadrant. The yellow proportion
is higher than the green except for two points in the yellow–
red quadrant. One is a Kairouan tile (BDX 6475), but in this
case, its red proportion is very small. The other, correspond-
ing to the Mesopotamian sample BDX 7140, has the same
yellow and red proportions as the ochre-yellow decoration
group. However, in Fig. 4, the green decorations of Kair-
354
FIG. 4. a*,b* diagram. Rep-
resentative points of green,
brown, and ochre-yellow dec-
orations observed in diffuse
light. Each diffuse colour dec-
oration is gathered within a
coherent group.
ouan and Mesopotamian are very close. We also note that
the point corresponding to solid metallic silver is in the
yellow– green quadrant, which implies that the green deco-
rations contain mainly silver.
The second group is the brown decorations group. The
analytic data are located in the yellow–red quadrant, with a
more significant yellow contribution. However, two points
(one, the Kairouan sample, and the other, the Mesopotamian
sample) are distant from this group. We note that the point
corresponding to solid metallic copper is inside this group,
with the same proportions of yellow and red. The results of
the brown Kairouan, Mesopotamian, and Sicilian decora-
tions are close.
The ochre-yellow decorations constitute the last group.
Their points are in the yellow–red quadrant, with a very
high proportion of yellow. One point (Mesopotamian sam-
ple BDX 7142) is apart from this group; its yellow and red
proportions are higher than those of all samples found in the
group.
These initial data are standard; however, they are essen-
tial for our study, because they made it possible to define
and separate objectively the colours of the various decora-
tions.
The Associated Specular Colour. Figure 5 shows the
points corresponding to both the green decorations and the
specular colours within an a*,b* diagram.
The points that relate to the green decorations are
grouped together, whereas the points of the associated spec-
ular colours are very dispersed. The golden-yellow ones are
in the yellow–red quadrant, the green-yellow ones are in the
yellow– green quadrant, and the blue-green specular colour
is obviously in the green– blue quadrant.
In Fig. 6, we have plotted the analytic data corresponding
to brown decorations and associated specular colours. In
this case, the specular visions have many different tones,
COLOR research and application
FIG. 5. a*,b* diagram. Representative of
both the green decorations (diffuse co-
lour) and associated specular colours
(SC).
such as blue, blue-green, yellow-green, golden-yellow, or-
ange, or pink.
Figure 7 shows the ochre-yellow decorations and the
associated specular colours, which are blue, green-yellow,
or pink.
In short, one type of diffuse colour can show many
different specular colours. Therefore, a specific relationship
between the diffuse and associated specular colours does
not exist. This means that the ancient potter could control
the diffuse colour very well, but his control of specular
colour was much more uncertain.
Elementary Analysis
Relationship Between the Diffuse Colour, and Ag and Cu
Concentrations. The analytic results of chemical analysis
are presented in Table I. Figure 8 is a binary diagram that
shows the Ag/(Cu ⫹ Ag) and Cu/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ratios. These
FIG. 6. a*,b* diagram. Representative of
both the brown decorations (diffuse co-
lour) and associated specular colours
(SC).
Volume 28, Number 5, October 2003
data are compared with the physical analysis of diffuse
colours.
The green decorations of both the Kairouan tiles and the
Mesopotamian samples, as well as the ochre-yellow deco-
rations of Sicilian samples, contain more silver than copper.
The Ag/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ratio is in the range of 52–94%.
The brown (Kairouan, Mesopotamia, and Sicily) and
ochre-yellow (Kairouan and Mesopotamia) decorations are
composed mainly of copper. The Cu/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ratio is
between 69% and 90%.
However, a question remains. How do we explain how
the same proportions of copper and silver give two different
colours?
The Sicilian ochre-yellow decorations and green decora-
tions of Kairouan and Mesopotamia contain the same pro-
portions of copper and silver.
Chemical analysis of the glazes indicated that the Sicilian
samples have high-lead glazes (PbO ⬇ 30%), and that the
355
 FIG. 7. a*,b* diagram. Representative of
both the ochre-yellow decorations (diffuse
light) and associated specular colours (SC).

Kairouan and Mesopotamian samples have low-lead glazes
(PbO ⬇ 6%).7 This means that the chemical composition of
the glaze has to be a significant parameter for the diffuse
colour.
If we consider the copper and silver colloidal structures,
and use the Mie theory to explain the coloration process,13
we realize that the refractive index of glaze plays a signif-
icant role. The Mie theory is a model of simple scattering of
light by small particles. Mie explained that this scattering is
due to the significant difference in refractive index values
between the surrounding matrix (glaze, in our case) and the
imbedded particles (Cu° and/or Ag° colloids, in our case).
The light undergoes a partial extinction in contact with
the glaze– colloids medium. The factor of extinction, Qext, is
the summation of scattering, Qscat, and absorption, Qabs, of
light, expressed in Eq. (1). Qext is a function of x and m,
where x is the Mie parameter, Eq. (4), and m is the relative
refractive index, Eq. (5):
Q ext ⫽ Q scat ⫹ Q abs ⫽ f(x, m . . . )
For each particle, the solution of Maxwell’s equations
gives14
Given these considerations, we can define the optical
density,14 Eq. (6), from which we can calculate theoretical
spectra:
OD ⫽ Z␲r2 L Qext log (e1) (6)
where Z is the number of colloids by volume unit; it is a
function of atomic percent of Cu and Ag, as
atomic% Metal
Z⫽ , (7)
4/3␲ rcolloid3
and L is the path length of light in the glaze– colloids
medium.
We realized that the global concentrations of copper and
silver intervene in the calculation of absorption spectra, so
they play a part in the diffuse colouration process. We also
observed that the refractive index of the glaze plays a
significant role. It is interesting to note that the value of
(1) refractive index is related to the chemical composition of
the glaze,15 and especially with the amount of PbO.
In the brown decorations, the copper and silver atomic
concentrations are larger than in the ochre-yellow decora-

冋 冉 冊册
tions. The brown decorations contained 2–3 atomic % Cu ⫹
8 4 m2 ⫺ 1 2
Q scat ⫽ Re x (2) Ag. The ochre-yellow decorations contained only 1–2
3 m2 ⫹ 2 atomic % Cu ⫹ Ag. Thus, we assume that the lustering

冋 m2 ⫺ 1 m2 ⫺ 1
冋 册 册
m4 ⫹ 27m2 ⫹ 38 mixtures (which give the metallic luster decorations) of both
2
4
Q abs ⫽ Im 4x 2 ⫹ x3 2 䡠 the brown and the ochre-yellow decorations were initially
m ⫹ 2 15 m ⫹ 2 2m2 ⫹ 3
identical (with the same proportions of copper and silver),
(3) but that the lustering mixtures used for the ochre-yellow
decoration were more diluted.
2 ␲ rNmatrix
x⫽ (4) Relationship Between Specular Colour, and Ag and Cu
␭ Concentrations. Figures 5, 6, and 7 indicate that there is not
Ncolloids a direct relationship between the diffuse colour of the dec-
m⫽ , (5) orations and their associated specular colours. This means
Nmatrix
that a relationship between specular colour and the total
where r is the radius of colloids, Nmatrix is the refractive amounts of Ag and Cu cannot exist. To define this coloura-
index of the matrix (the glaze), Ncolloids is the refractive tion process, we could use the Maxwell Garnett theory,16 in
index of colloids, and ␭ is the wavelength of incident light. which the parameters that have an influence are the propor-

356 COLOR research and application

TABLE 1. EDX microanalysis results of the different decorations.
Cu ⌬ Ag ⌬ Cu/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⌬ Ag/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⌬ Cu ⫹ Ag

Kairouan tiles

BDX 5051 green 0.10 0.01 1.46 0.13 6.4 1.1 93.6 1.1 1.57
BDX 5052 green 0.49 0.06 0.92 0.09 34.8 3.1 65.2 3.1 1.47
BDX 6473 green 0.39 0.07 0.61 0.11 39.7 5.3 60.3 5.3 1.07
BDX 6474 green 0.33 0.10 1.01 0.24 24.6 5.8 75.4 5.8 1.44
BDX 6475 green 0.36 0.05 0.88 0.07 28.9 3.6 71.1 3.6 1.28
BDX 6476 green 0.11 0.02 0.85 0.06 11.3 2.8 88.7 2.8 0.98
BDX 6477 green 0.28 0.02 0.30 0.03 47.8 3.7 52.2 3.7 0.60
BDX 6478 green 0.52 0.05 0.89 0.07 37.0 1.6 63.0 1.6 1.45

Mesopotamian samples

BDX 7139 green 0.31 0.01 0.83 0.05 27.5 1.7 72.5 1.7 1.15
BDX 7140 green 1.08 0.10 1.86 0.25 37.0 1.0 63.0 1.0 3.04
BDX 7141 green 0.35 0.04 0.64 0.02 35.8 3.1 64.2 3.1 1.03
BDX 7142 green 0.26 0.03 0.44 0.07 37.7 0.9 62.3 0.9 0.73

Kairouan tiles

BDX 5052 brown 2.72 0.10 1.06 0.19 72.0 4.1 28.0 4.1 3.88
BDX 6473 brown 1.67 0.27 0.58 0.06 74.2 3.4 25.8 4.9 2.52
BDX 6475 brown 3.12 0.23 0.61 0.12 83.6 2.8 16.4 2.8 3.97
BDX 6478 brown 2.37 0.13 1.06 0.03 69.0 1.7 31.0 1.7 3.56

Mesopotamian samples

BDX 7139 brown 1.12 0.09 0.30 0.04 79.1 2.6 20.9 2.6 1.51
BDX 7140 brown 1.64 0.25 0.49 0.07 77.0 0.3 23.0 0.3 2.38
BDX 7142 brown 1.68 0.09 0.79 0.17 68.4 4.1 31.6 4.1 2.55

Sicilian samples

BDX 6097 brown 1.40 0.27 0.41 0.32 77.3 12.4 22.7 12.4 2.1
BDX 6101 brown 0.71 0.00 0.32 0.00 68.9 0.0 31.1 0.0 1.0
BDX 6358 brown 1.33 0.01 0.29 0.03 82.1 1.7 17.9 1.7 1.6
BDX 6361 brown 2.20 0.60 0.48 0.14 82.1 1.4 17.9 1.4 3.3
BDX 6362 brown 1.46 0.02 0.76 0.01 65.8 0.5 34.2 0.5 2.2

Kairouan tiles

BDX 6473 ochre-yellow 1.24 0.09 0.37 0.05 77.1 1.7 22.9 2.5 1.70
BDX 6475 ochre-yellow 1.18 0.10 0.13 0.03 89.9 1.8 10.1 1.8 1.41
BDX 6478 ochre-yellow 1.84 0.12 0.30 0.06 86.0 1.8 14.0 1.8 2.26

Mesopotamian samples

BDX 7139 ochre-yellow 0.62 0.02 0.17 0.02 78.8 1.6 21.2 1.6 0.81
BDX 7141 ochre-yellow 1.93 0.22 0.26 0.02 88.1 1.3 11.9 1.3 2.42
BDX 7142 ochre-yellow 1.27 0.13 0.32 0.03 79.9 1.7 20.1 1.7 1.71

Sicilian samples

BDX 6359 ochre-yellow 0.27 0.05 0.62 0.11 30.3 6.9 69.7 6.9 0.9
BDX 6360 ochre-yellow 0.58 0.04 0.54 0.05 51.8 3.5 48.2 3.5 1.2

Concentration of copper and silver expressed in atomic percents and in normalized percents, with Cu/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⫻ 100 and Ag/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⫻
100) ratios (⌬ is the standard deviation).

tions of copper and silver, the refractive index of the glaze,
and the reflectivity of the Cu° and Ag° colloids.
In the future, we will use the reflectivity of the Cu° and
Ag° colloids to explain the appearance and the colour of the
metallic reflection, because the bands in the coloured me-
tallic reflection spectra correspond to the reflection of light
by these metallic colloids.17–19 From these data, we will try
to develop a theoretical model to explain the coloured
metallic reflection.
CONCLUSIONS
From the physical study of colour and the microanalytic
investigations, we have been able to demonstrate a correla-
tion between the diffuse colour and the proportions of
copper and silver. However, this correlation is limited to the
Kairouan and Mesopotamian samples:
The green decorations contain more silver than copper:

Volume 28, Number 5, October 2003 357


52% ⱕ Ag/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⱕ 92%
The brown and ochre-yellow decorations contain more cop-
per than silver:
65% ⱕ Cu/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⱕ 90%
Unlike the ochre-yellow decorations from Kairouan and
Mesopotamia, those from Sicily contain more silver than
copper:
52% ⱕ Ag/(Cu ⫹ Ag) ⱕ 70%.
These results imply that the concentrations of copper and
silver are not the only parameters that can induce the diffuse
colour of the luster decorations.
It is important to note that for one type of glaze (e.g.,
Kairouan and Mesopotamian samples), without exception, a
close relationship exists between the diffuse colour and the
proportions of Cu and Ag. This means that the composition
of the glaze should play an important part in the colouration
process.
We verified that the colloidal texture of Cu° and Ag° is
the principal factor in the diffuse colouration of metallic
luster decoration. This specific texture explains the green,
brown, or ochre-yellow colours obtained from metallic cop-
per and silver. We demonstrated that the diffuse colour
depends greatly on not only Cu° and Ag° relative concen-
trations but also on the refractive index of the glaze. This
last information is very important, because it indicates that
the elementary composition of the glaze has a direct influ-
ence on the colour decoration. The radius of the colloids
plays only a secondary role.
The colorimetric analysis of specular colour indicates that
there is no correlation between colour and the concentra-
tions of copper and silver. To define this colouration pro-
cess, we could use the Maxwell Garnett theory, which
358
FIG. 8. Binary diagram of the normalized
atomic percent Cu/(Cu ⫹ Ag) and Ag/(Cu ⫹ Ag)
ratios, detected in the green, brown, and ochre-
yellow decorations.
explains the reflectivity of metallic nanoparticles. However,
we should also take into account the spatial distribution of
copper and silver, which should also play a part in the
appearance and colouration of metallic reflections.7
1. Caiger-Smith A. Luster pottery techniques, tradition and innovation in
Islamic and Western world. London: Faber and Faber; 1989.
2. Mason RB. Early medieval Iraqi luster-painted and associated wares:
Typology in a multidisciplinary study. Irak 1997;59:15– 61.
3. Malins J, Tonge KH. Reduction luster glaze and pigments. Br Ceram
T 1993;92:83– 88.
4. Magruder RH III, Haglund RF, Yang L, Wittig JE, Zuhr RA. Physical
and optical properties of Cu nanoclusters fabricated by ion implanta-
tion in fused silica. J Appl Opt 1994;76:708 –715.
5. Marquez H, Salazar D, Villalobos A, Paez G, Rincon JM. Experimen-
tal study of Cu⫹-Na⫹ exchanged glass waveguides. Appl Optics
1995;34:5817–5822.
6. De Marchi G, Gonella F, Mazzoldi P, Battaglin G, Knystantas EJ,
Meneghini C. Non linear glasses by metal cluster formation: Synthesis
and properties. J Non-Cryst Solids 1996;196:79 – 83.
7. Bobin O. Propriétés optiques de nanoparticules de cuivre et d’argent
dans des matrices silicatées—application aux archéomatériaux: Cé-
ramiques glaçurées à décor de Luster métallique du IXème siècle—
Grande Mosquée de Kairouan, Tunisie [Optical properties of copper
and silver nanoparticles embedded in silicate matrix—applied to ar-
chaeomaterials: Metallic luster of glazed ceramics AD 9th century—
Great Mosque of Kairouan, Tunisia]. CRPAA-IRAMAT, Université
de Bordeaux 3, Thèse de doctorat; 2001.
8. Bobin O, Schvoerer M, Miane JL, Fabre JF, Labrugère C, Lahaye M.
The metallic Luster of glazed ceramics: Interpretation of the in-
scattered-light optical properties: One theoretical approach. Proceed-
ings of the 6th European Meeting on Ancient Ceramics, October 3– 6,
2001, Fribourg, Switzerland; 2003. In press.
9. Perez-Arantegui J, Molera J, Borgia I, Brunetti BB. Luster pottery
from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century: A nanostructured thin
metallic film. J Am Ceram Soc 2001;84:442– 446.
10. Daoulatli A. Les carreaux à reflets métalliques, la céramique ifriqiy-
enne du VIIIème au XVIème siècle [Metallic shine tiles, the Ifriqiyen
COLOR research and application
 ceramics AD 8th–16th century]. In: Couleur de Tunisie. Paris: Institut
de Monde Arabe (IMA); 1994. p 69 –90.
11. Cilia Platamone E, Fiorilla S. Ceramiche a lustro del museo regionale
della ceramica di Caltagirone [Luster ceramics conserved in regional
museum of the ceramics in Caltagirone]. Proceedings of the VIE
congrès de l’AIECM2, 1995 November 13–18, Aix en Provence,
France; 1997. p 475– 478.
12. Jarjis R. Ion-beam archaeometry of Islamic Luster glazes. Key Eng
Mat 1997;132–136:1434 –1437.
13. Mie G. Beiträge zur optik trüber medienspeziell kolloidaler metallö-
sungen [contribution to the optic of cloudy medium, specially metallic
colloidal solution]. Annalen der Physik 1908;25:377– 445.
14. Bamford CR. Glass science and technology: 2. Colour generation a control
in glass. Amsterdam, Oxford, New York: Elsevier Scientific; 1977.
Volume 28, Number 5, October 2003
15. Mennig, M, Endres K, Schmitt M, Schmidt H. Colored coating on
eyeglass lenses by noble metal colloids. J Non-Cryst Solids 1997;218:
373–379.
16. Maxwell Garnett JC. Colour in metal glasses and metallic films. Philos
T Roy Soc 1904;203:385– 402.
17. Nistor LC, Van Landuyt J, Barton JD, Hole DE, Skelland ND,
Townsend PD. Colloid size distribution in ion implanted glass. J
Non-Cryst Solids 1993;162:217–224.
18. Dotsenko A, Kuchinsky S, Prassas M. Mathematical modelling of
spectral selective absorption and reflection of light by metal-dielectric
composites. J Non-Cryst Solids 1997;218:317–322.
19. Hole DE, Stepanov AL, Townsend PD. Dependence of optical prop-
erties of implanted silver nanoparticules in float glass on substrate
temperature. Nucl Instrum Meth B 1999;148:1054 –1058.
359