Scheelite Octahedrons on Matrix - Ortiz Mine, Golden, New Mexico

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
Date: Apr 30th, 2026
Locality: Ortiz Project, Golden, Old Placers District, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 43.2 x 31.9 x 62.3 mm
Weight: 84 g

Description:
Honey colored, octahedral scheelite crystals on a light matrix, from the Ortiz Mine, Golden, Santa Fe County, New Mexico. Under shortwave UV the scheelite fluoresces intense blue/white. The scheelite is also fluorescent under midwave UV, showing a more yellow/white response. The largest scheelite crystals measure to 7 mm.

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

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Closeup showing 7mm scheelite crystal

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Scheelite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Blue
• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Yellow