Multi-Wave Hemimorphite, Petroglyph Mine, New Mexico

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
Date: Apr 25th, 2026
Locality: Petroglyph Mine (Miners Dream Mine), Hillsboro, Hillsboro Mining District, Sierra County, New Mexico, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 58.8 x 31.5 x 65.7 mm
Weight: 116 g

Description:
This is an interesting multi-wave fluorescent specimen consisting of light-colored hemimorphite on an unknown brown matrix, from the Petroglyph Mine, Sierra County, New Mexico. Under shortwave UV the hemimorphite fluoresces blue, under midwave green, and under longwave dim blue/green. There is also an unknown mineral present that shows an off-white response with phosphorescence under shortwave UV.

UPDATE: This unknown mineral is likely willemite.

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

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Afterglow after exposure to shortwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Hemimorphite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Blue
• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green
• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Blue

• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: White
• Afterglow after exposure to Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: White