Multi-Colored Sphalerite, Balmat No. 4 Mine, Balmat, New York
Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: FYA-6X8
Date: Apr 16th, 2026
Locality: Empire State No. 4 Mine, Balmat, Fowler, St. Lawrence County, New York, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 7.8 x 4.7 x 8.6 cm
Weight: 376 g
Description:
Fluorescent sphalerite/zinc ore from the ZCA Mine No. 4 (now called the Empire State No. 4 Mine), Balmat, St. Lawrence Co., New York. When viewed under visible light, this material is not particularly attractive, being a metallic grey colored rock and gives no indication of its beautiful multi-colored fluorescent response under UV. No two specimens of this material are the same, as each shows a unique, multi-colored, pattern of fluorescence. These specimens typically show their brightest fluorescent response under longwave UV. This material typically shows phosphorescence (afterglow) following exposure to UV.
Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2023.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Sphalerite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Violet
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Green
- Afterglow after exposure to Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Violet
- Afterglow after exposure to Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Green
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Violet
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Orange
- Afterglow after exposure to Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green
- Afterglow after exposure to Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Orange