Rare Orange Fluorescent Turneaureite from Balmat, New York

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: HPR-2YC
Date: Apr 23rd, 2026
Locality: Empire State No. 4 Mine, Balmat, Fowler, St. Lawrence County, New York, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 43 x 29 x 76 mm
Weight: 103 g

Description:
This specimen contains grains of orange, fluorescent turneaureite in a non-fluorescent matrix, from the ZCA No. 4 Mine, Balmat, St. Lawrence County, New York. Turneaureite is a rare arsenate-containing member of the apatite group, and shows a bright orange, fluorescent response under shortwave UV.

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

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Turneaureite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Orange