FLUORESCENT MINERAL SPECIMENS FOR SALE

Why Do Certain Minerals Fluoresce

Fluorescence in minerals occurs when certain elements or structural characteristics within the mineral cause it to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emit it as visible light. This process begins when UV light excites the atoms or ions in the mineral, pushing their electrons into a higher energy state. As these electrons return to their normal, stable state, they release that excess energy as visible light.

The presence of specific impurities, known as activators, is usually responsible for this phenomenon. These activators are often trace elements such as manganese, rare earth elements like europium or terbium, or ions like tungstate and molybdate. Uranium can also cause a bright green fluorescence in some minerals. The internal structure of the crystal plays a key role as well; variations or defects in the crystal lattice can influence how the energy is absorbed and emitted.

However, not all minerals fluoresce. Some contain elements called quenchers, such as iron, that suppress fluorescence even when activators are present. This is why specimens of the same mineral may differ in their ability to fluoresce.

Common examples of fluorescent minerals include fluorite, which often glows blue or purple due to rare earth element impurities, willemite, which fluoresces green from manganese, and calcite, which can glow in a variety of colors depending on the trace elements it contains.