What color is ultraviolet?

Understanding Ultraviolet Color

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is not visible to the human eye. It occupies the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and X-rays, with wavelengths shorter than visible violet light, hence the name 'ultraviolet.'

UV light has wavelengths ranging from about 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The human visible spectrum, in contrast, spans from approximately 380 nanometers (violet) to 750 nanometers (red). This means that ultraviolet light starts just beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum, making it invisible to humans.

Categories of Ultraviolet Light

• UVA (315 to 400 nm): Also known as 'long wave' UV, this type penetrates the skin more deeply and is associated with skin aging.
• UVB (280 to 315 nm): This 'medium wave' UV is responsible for sunburn and has a significant role in the development of skin cancer.
• UVC (100 to 280 nm): Known as 'shortwave' UV, it is the most harmful type but is completely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the surface.

Since ultraviolet light is beyond the visible spectrum, it does not have a color that can be perceived by the human eye. However, certain materials can fluoresce or glow when exposed to UV light, converting it into visible wavelengths that we can see. This phenomenon is often used in art, security, and science to detect substances invisible under normal lighting conditions.