In the food world, L-ascorbic acid—also known as vitamin C—is a familiar nutrient that is commonly found in citrus fruits. Seen under a microscope, this is crystalized vitamin C, which has the quality of birefringence. This means it bends light in multiple directions at once, producing a variegated effect of colors. A near infinite variety of shapes, colors, and textures can appear since no two crystals are the same.