> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.vectary.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.vectary.com/documentation/design-process/materials-and-textures/advanced-materials/refraction.md).
# Refraction
Controls how light bends when passing through a transparent material, simulating effects like glass, water, or gemstones.
This property includes a value range from 0 to 100, which controls the strength of the refraction effect. A value of 0 results in no refraction, while 100 produces the strongest bending of light. \
\
**Index of Refraction (IOR)** determines how much light changes direction when passing through the material. Common IOR values include 1.0 for air, 1.33 for water, 1.52 for standard glass, and higher values for denser materials like diamonds (2.42).
**Thickness and Absorption** parameters refine how light interacts within the material. **Thickness** influences the perceived density, while **Absorption** determines how much light is lost as it passes through. A selectable color defines the absorption effect, adding depth and realism.
{% hint style="info" %}
The appearance of refractive materials is highly dependent on lighting conditions, as reflections, distortions, and transparency change based on the surrounding environment.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="success" %}
Enabling [Double sided material](/documentation/design-process/materials-and-textures/advanced-materials/double-sided-material.md) can significantly improve the object's appearance by enhancing how light interacts with both front and back surfaces of the material.
{% endhint %}
{% embed url="" %}
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://help.vectary.com/documentation/design-process/materials-and-textures/advanced-materials/refraction.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
