Zektzerite and Others from Dara-i-Pioz, Tajikistan
Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: FTX-1RH
Date: Apr 15th, 2026
Locality: Dara-i-Pioz Massif, Districts of Republican Subordination, Tajikistan (See on Mindat)
Size: 32 x 23 x 57 mm
Weight: 42 g
Description:
This rock contains a beautiful assemblage of rare fluorescent minerals from the remote Dara-i-Pioz massif in Tajikistan. Only reactive under shortwave UV (254 nm), this rock contains bright blue-white, fluorescent zektzerite and red fluorescent microcline feldspar. There is also an unknown green, fluorescent mineral present that is likely uranyl-activated. The marble-like matrix is also dimly fluorescent, and provides a contrasting, neutral-colored background to the more brightly fluorescent minerals. There are also embedded crystals of black, non-fluorescent neptunite.
Although specimen collecting is relatively easy in the alkaline rocks of the Dara-i-Pioz massif, it is located in a very remote area of northern Tajikistan that is best accessed by helicopter.
Under short wave UV, zektzerite shows a bright blue-white response and microcline fluoresces red. The green, fluorescent mineral has not been identified. Note that the matrix also shows dim to moderate fluorescence.
Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2023.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Zektzerite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: White
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red