What does saturation refer to in terms of color?

Saturation in terms of color specifically refers to the strength or intensity of a color. It describes how pure or vivid a color appears, indicating how much gray is present in it. A highly saturated color is rich, deep, and vibrant, while a less saturated color appears more muted and closer to gray. This is crucial in colored gemstones, as saturation can significantly affect their visual appeal and value. Higher saturation in a gemstone generally indicates a more desirable and striking appearance, which is highly sought after by collectors and buyers alike. Understanding saturation is essential for evaluating and describing colored stones in the field of gemology.