How droplets of oil or water can glow vibrant colors

The effect is a type of iridescence, with different colors seen at different angles

microscopic water droplets showing iridescent rings of colored light

DYNAMIC DROPLETS  When illuminated with white light, microscopic water droplets emanate iridescent rings of light whose color depends on the drops’ shape and size, as well as a viewer’s perspective.

Zarzar Lab/Penn State

Oil and water may not mix, but the two have now revealed a new example of structural color, in which an object’s hue arises from its shape.