Fluorescent Calcite from the Badger State
Contributed by: Chris Clemens
Date: Apr 24th, 2026
Locality: Shullsburg area, Lafayette County, Wisconsin, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 47 x 27.4 x 50.6 mm
Weight: 71 g
Description:
This is a single, colorless calcite crystal from one of the lead mines that used to operate in Shullsburg, Wisconsin. Under UV, this specimen shows a subtle, but beautiful, multi-wavelength fluorescent response under all wavelengths. It also shows brief phosphorescence, strongest following shortwave.
Wisconsin's nickname, "The Badger State", has its origin in the lead mining that occurred in the Shullsburg area during the 1820's. The lead miners came to be known as "Badgers" due to the numerous shallow pits and holes they dug in search of ore.
Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2016.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange
- Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Pink
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Orange