May 25, 2013, 9:55 a.m.

Fluorescence in Minerals & Crystals

There are complete societies built around fluorescence in minerals and crystals. It is an active and seemingly popular hobby for many people, yet I somehow never knew of its existence. Do not understand me wrong, I did know some crystals and minerals fluoresce under the right excitation, just not that it is actually a big thing.

Since I have recently entered into the world of fluorescence photography, it just made sense that I tried my hand at our oldest relatives, The Rock.

Below a composite of UV-A, UV-B and UV-C excitation in some samples I recently acquired.
UV-A, UV-B and UV-C excited minerals and crystals
UV-A, UV-B and UV-C excited minerals and crystals
Normal white light illuminated below
Minerals and crystals under white light
Minerals and crystals under white light
And lastly an identification legend.
Minerals and crystal identification legend
Minerals and crystal identification legend