Fluorescent Rocks as a Gift?
One of my best friends is an aspiring geologist, and for his birthday I wanted to get him some fluorescent rocks (calcite, opal, etc). I did some research and it appears the rocks are cheap, but the long and short wave lamps are spendy. Would a cheap old black light give the same effect as a short or long wave light?
Thanks.
More Questions From This User See All
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Casey,
A typical black light will give you exclusively long wave UV radiation. It will work well enough to see the fluorescence, but as an another answerer mentioned, commercial UV lamps work better, and your friend will eventually want to get one specifically for the fluorescent collection. But as a gift, a black light is fine to start with.
Be sure that the mineral specimens you buy are actually fluorescent under long wave UV before you buy them.... some minerals fluoresce only in short wave, some only in long wave, and some fluoresce in both. Also be aware that not every specimen of a particular mineral will fluoresce.... for example, not all calcite will fluoresce, only those from particular localities. So you want to go to a dealer or outlet that specifically sells fluorescent samples, and not just pick up a random piece of calcite from a rock shop.
I have a collection of fluorescent rocks and minerals and the light is just about as important as the rocks. To really enjoy the rocks a good light is a must. The newer lights can be expensive but they work a lot better. You may also consider purchasing a light that is portable (battery operated). That way the aspiring geologist can find more for their collection. I would check with Amazon.com as well as eBay for the reviews and to find the best price.
similar effect