Willemite Crystals - Peyrebrune, Tarn, France

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
Date: Apr 29th, 2026
Locality: Peyrebrune, Montredon-Labessonnié, Castres, Tarn, Occitanie, France (See on Mindat)
Size: 24.3 x 20.8 x 37 mm

Description:
Small (approximately 1mm) hexagonal white crystals of willemite on a dark unidentified matrix, from the lead/zinc/silver mine of Peyrebrune, Montredon-Labessonnié, Réalmont, Tarn, Occitanie, France. Under shortwave UV the willemite fluoresces bright white with bright and lasting green phosphorescence.

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2017.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Afterglow after exposure to shortwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Willemite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

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