Fluorescent Smithsonite and Willemite - Third Plain Zinc Deposit, Bunkers Range, South Australia

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
Date: Apr 29th, 2026
Locality: Third Plain zinc deposit, Angorigina, Pastoral Unincorporated Area, South Australia, Australia (See on Mindat)
Size: 5.9 x 5.2 x 82 cm
Weight: 264 g

Description:
This is a beautiful fluorescent specimen from the Lower Slope, Third Plain Zinc Deposit, Angorichina Station, Bunkers Range, Northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Its primary component species are smithsonite and willemite. Under shortwave UV, veins of smithsonite show a rich blue fluorescent response and the willemite fluoresces green/blue with bright and lasting phosphorescence. The fluorescent coverage on this piece is outstanding.

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:

Smithsonite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

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

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