Fluorescence of Minerals
Minerals are organic materials found in the earth’s crust which can have a range of properties. Some of these properties, such as color or hardness, are well known, but many are not. One of the lesser known properties of minerals is their tendency to fluoresce when exposed to UV (ultra-violet) light.
Fluorescence is the emission of light by a material, typically of an invisible wavelength, as a result of exposure to radiation. The light emitted is usually of a different color than the radiation that is absorbed. This phenomenon is used not just in the field of mineralogy, but in many other fields as well.
In mineralogy, fluorescence is used to identify the different types of minerals. By evaluating the reaction to UV light, the type of mineral can be established by the characteristics of the emitted light. Some minerals, such as Calcite, may even exhibit different colors under different types of light, further aiding in the identification process.
The mechanism behind this property of glowing minerals is not fully understood. The most widely accepted explanation is that the energy from the UV radiation is absorbed by the mineral, which in turn excites electrons in the material. When these electrons return to their lower energy state, they release energy in the form of visible light.
Aside from identification purposes, fluorescence can also be used to indicate how a mineral was formed. Some minerals, such as those found in floodwater deposits, typically fluoresce while others, such as those found in meteors, do not.
In short, fluorescence of minerals is an important and useful property that has many applications. Those interested in exploring the area further should read about the specific minerals in question and their properties, as well as consider attending classes or seminars related to mineralogy.
