In some systems, sedimenting particles form layers separated by approximately equal distances of the order of the wavelength of light. This gives rise to strong colours when observed in reflected light and the system is said to form iridescent layers or Schiller layers.
Source:
PAC, 1972, 31, 577
(Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry)
on page 611
Transformed and rewritten from PDF version (entry
http://www.iupac.org/goldbook/S05499.pdf)
by: Miloslav Nic, Jiri Jirat, Bedrich Kosata, ICT Prague, Czech Republic
