Fluorescent Mineral Database

A new secret project! Trying to create a nice Fluorescent Mineral Database (FMDB), which would be searchable by mineral, locality, and luminescence properties. Also making it easy for people to contribute with their own specimens!

Black Calcite from Belgium

Contributed by: Axel Emmermann
minID:
Date: Jan 24th, 2025
Locality: Gralex quarry, Mont-sur-Marchienne, Charleroi, Hainaut, Wallonia, Belgium (See on Mindat)

Description:
This is a so-called \"black\" calcite from the Gralex quarry, Mont-sur-Marchienne (near Charleroi), Hainout Province, Belgium. These crystals are darker than usual and appear etched or perhaps fractured and cured afterwards. Anyhow, the grooves in the crystals have been filled with a strongly fluorescent material. I have no clue what it is but is follows the crystal structure of calcite. The photos are taken in halogen light and in defocussed violet laser light of 405 nm.

Fluorescence under 405nm blue laser.
Fluorescence under 405nm blue laser.
Fluorescence under 405nm blue laser.
Fluorescence under 405nm blue laser.
Normal light.
Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Calcite

  • Fluorescence under Blue light (450nm LED): Yellow

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