Multi-Colored Fluorescence from the Tadpole District, Imperial Co., California
Contributed by: Chris Clemens
Date: Apr 18th, 2026
Locality: Palo Verde Mining District, Palo Verde Mountains, Imperial County, California, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 4.3 x 2.9 x 6.1 cm
Description:
Here\'s a beautiful, multi-colored fluorescent specimen from a little-known area in Imperial County, California. This little fluorescent gem was collected from unspecified mine in the Tadpole District of the Palo Verde Mountains in Southern California. This specimen contains white bladed barite crystals, fluorite and caliche.
Located near the northwest end of the Palo Verde Mountains, the Tadpole District is comprised of a dozen or so former mines that produced barite, manganese, fluorspar and other minerals.
This specimen shows the brightest fluorescent response under longwave UV (365 nm). It shows similar fluorescence under shortwave (254 nm) and midwave (302 nm) UV but is less bright. The fluorite fluoresces blue, the barite bright blue/white, and the caliche orange.
Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2020.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Fluorite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Blue
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: White
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange