Electrolytic coloration of cuprous chloride crystals

Electrolytic coloration of cuprous chloride crystals is observed. Visible optical absorption spectra, coloration kinetics so as electric current kinetics are recorded at high temperature. EPR experiments are performed both at high temperature and with quenched samples. Two types of defects are found, one being metastable, the other stable, remaining after quenching. All experimental results do not agree with the classical theory of absorption of light by metal colloids. A model is proposed which qualitatively explains all experimental features of these phenomena.