A ground-level cloud composed of tiny ice crystals that forms in very cold, generally clear air, most common in polar and subarctic regions during periods of extreme cold. The floating crystals catch and refract sunlight or artificial light, producing a shimmering, sparkling effect in the air and often accompanying other ice-crystal optical phenomena such as sun dogs and light pillars.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceBrief flashes as tiny tumbling crystals reflect sunlight, like many tiny diamonds 1 ScaleLayer depth from about 20 to 30 m up to 300 m 1 Sources
1. Diamond dust - Wikipedia
Layer depth
The depth of the diamond dust layer can vary substantially from as little as 20 to 30 m (66 to 98 ft) to 300 metres (980 ft).
Appearance
This glittering effect gives the phenomenon its name since it looks like many tiny diamonds are flashing in the air.
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