How to create realistic Gemstones?

[fxstudio]

I'm trying to emulate a diamond like gem. I'm not sure how to emulate the way light interacts with a diamond. any suggestions and or tips would be great. TIA

[gmask]

You need to use the caustics plugin that comes with Maya.

g

[fxstudio]

I'm unable to find any information regarding Caustics in Maya 4.0. I've downloaded the Caustics plugin for Maya 3.0, but of course it doesn't seem to work with Maya 4.0. Any help would be great. Thanks much!

In reply to:
You need to use the caustics plugin that comes with Maya.
g

[xoranimation]

i just played a bit around and found it useful to use a layered shader to create a diamond.
the first shader is a "diffraction-shader" from aw (i used the diffraction shader to create the "prismastyle colors")
the second one is a "anisotropic-shader" with a refraction index of "2.42".

Here are refraction index values for common materials:
Air 1.0003
Water 1.33
Glass 1.52
Diamond 2.42
Lead Sulfide 3.91

(taken from the site "discovering light" at: http://library.thinkquest.org/27356/index.htm)

here 2 samples:

if you need the scene, drop me a line so i upload it to my download-section at my homepage
( www.xor-animation.com )

cheers,

andy

[airojade]

hello, again....

i

[fxstudio]

Andy thanks very much for your help. This info should get me on track. Thanks Again

P.S. Nice Site.

In reply to:
hello, again....

i

[feldegast]

In reply to:

Here are refraction index values for common materials:
Air 1.0003
Water 1.33
Glass 1.52
Diamond 2.42
Lead Sulfide 3.91

(taken from the site "discovering light" at: http://library.thinkquest.org/27356/index.htm)

cheers,

andy

I think that standard glass has a IOR of 1.44. Maybe the glass you're mentioning is some special glass type. It's closer to quartz at 1.55.