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!

Willemite, Calcite and Hydrozincite, Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, New Jersey

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: CNU-7MP
Date: Apr 23rd, 2026
Locality: Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 5.9 x 4.5 x 8.2 cm
Weight: 414 g

Description:
This insane swirl of fluorescent colors is from the Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, New Jersey. The unusual and interesting pattern of bright fluorescence is due to its hydrozincite, willemite and calcite content. Under shortwave UV the hydrozincite fluoresces bright blue, the willemite green, and the calcite shows a typical red response. The willemite is also phosphorescent after shortwave UV.

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2016.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.
Afterglow after exposure to shortwave UV light.
Afterglow after exposure to shortwave UV light.
Normal light.
Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red
Hydrozincite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Blue
Willemite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green
  • Afterglow after exposure to Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green

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