Unlike gems worn has ornaments, atmospheric gems are generated by groups of particles that have similar sizes and shapes, not by single entities. Our eyes are sensitive to energy in this portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The rods in our eyes distinguish light from dark. The cones sense color. White light is perceived when all visible light strikes the cones with nearly equal intensity.
Leaves are green because leaves, or chlorophyll inside the leaves, reflects green light.
Most of what we see is due to reflection of incident light. In reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Sunlight reflects the surface at the same angle it strikes the surface. Transmission of Light Light that passes through a substance is said to be transmitted. Upon entering a denser substance, transmitted light slows in speed.