Root Beer Fluorite from Clay Center, Ohio; A Midwest Fluorescent Classic

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: GQ5-FVG
Date: Apr 21st, 2026
Locality: Stoneco White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Allen Township, Ottawa County, Ohio, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 58 x 35 x 83 mm
Weight: 166 g

Description:
Lustrous root beer-colored fluorite cubes on a light grey limestone matrix, from the Stoneco White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ottawa Co., Ohio. Fluorite specimens from Clay Center, Ohio, are notable for their bright white, zoned fluorescence under longwave UV. Also impressive under short wave UV, the fluorite shows a cooler white, and slightly dimmer fluorescent response. This material is also phosphorescent under both wavelengths, showing a white glow after shortwave UV, and green after longwave. The fluorescence in the Clay Center fluorites is likely due to the presence of an organic activator.

The Clay Center quarry location has been closed to collecting for years, but fine specimens of this material can still be found in old collections and at shows.

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2019.