Most of us are aware that colour makes a difference to how we feel even on the most regular of days, let alone the times our senses are heightened due to external or internal stimuli. This case is intensified with those who are diagnosed with Autism, ADD, ADHD and other similar conditions. Affected individuals have problems with sensory integration, owing to which colours appear more vibrant and intense therefore making them more hyper and excitable. Cool colours and neutral shades are one's best option when dealing with a case like this, rather than opting or bright reds and yellows.

If you followed the recent US elections at all, you must have noticed Hillary Clinton turning up in a white pantsuit at most places. This choice is no idle one. The colour white is used to symbolize truth, peace, purity and femininity. By wearing the colour white, and a pantsuit nonetheless, Hillary Clinton firmly places herself as an advocate of female prowess and feminism while also presenting a sleek picture of strength. Thus, we see the subtle use of colour psychology once again, from preschool classrooms to one of the most powerful campaigns in the world.

The precious gemstone spinel, commonly mistaken for rubies, can be found in Afghanistan, Burma, Tajikistan and mainly in Sri Lanka. The name is derived from the Latin word 'spina' meaning arrow. This gemstone is brilliant when well cut and ranges from transparent to opaque. It is found in hues of red, green, blue, yellow, brown, black or uncommonly, violet. While spinels sell for lesser than pure rubies or Sapphires, they are highly sought after by collectors. The famous Black Prince's ruby from the 14th century in the British Imperial Crown is actually in fact a spinel!

Benitoite is another extremely rare gemstone, it has been found in only one deposit in California. Discovered in 1907, this stone is named after the county in which it was found. It is often mistaken for sapphires due to its fiery blue colour and is found in shades of light and pale blue as well. Benitoites are usually cut into round brilliants because of their high refraction quality and dispersion. They are found embedded in natrolite and need to be chiselled out carefully. Its usage isn't prevalent in jewellery because of its comparative softness.

You would think aquatic insects are attracted only to things underwater right? You'd be wrong then! Water insects like Coleoptera and Heteroptera, amongst others, were found to land on bonnets, roofs and windows of bright red and black cars in swarms. This is due to the phenomenon called reflection–polarization characteristics of the car paintwork. Thus, surfaces of these coloured cars are attractive to red-blind polarotactic aquatic insects, while they ignore cars coloured white, yellow, green, etc.

Did you know the Emerald Green Boa, famous for its distinctive hue, isn't born that way? At birth, this non-venomous variety of snake features shades of light orange to brick red. It is only at maturing, when ontogenetic coloration sets in, that their skin turns a bright shade of emerald green. This Boa has a zigzag white pattern running down its length and a pale yellow belly. They are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname and Guiana.