translucencies

Translucency is the property of allowing light to pass through a material while scattering it in many directions, so objects on the far side cannot be seen clearly. This distinguishes translucent materials from transparent ones, which transmit light with minimal scattering, and from opaque materials, which absorb or reflect most light. The degree of translucency depends on the microstructure, impurities, surface texture, and thickness of the material.

When light enters a translucent substance, microscopic features such as grains, pores, fibers, or inclusions scatter the light. If scattering dominates over absorption, the transmitted light becomes diffuse, giving a softened, hazy appearance. Thicker sections or stronger scattering increase the effect, while highly absorbing materials may appear opaque even when nominally translucent.

Common translucent materials include frosted glass, wax, porcelain, jade, marble, and many polymers used in lamps, windows, and decorative objects. Human skin and some fruits and papers also exhibit translucency. Some materials can vary between translucent and transparent with changes in processing, thickness, or composition.

Translucency is relevant in design, lighting, and imaging. It is characterized by the amount of transmitted light and its diffusion, often described by scattering and absorption properties or standardized translucency measures. Understanding translucency helps predict how light interacts with a material and how it will appear to observers.