Fluorapatite var. "Spargelstein" - Jumilla, Spain

Contributed by: Daniel C. Montero
minID: DN6-588
Date: May 5th, 2026
Locality: Nuestra Señora del Carmen Mines, La Celia lamproite outcrops, Jumilla, Murcia, Spain (See on Mindat)
Size: 25 x 20 x 25 mm

Description:
Fluorapatite var. "Spargelstein" on hematite (non-fluorescent) covered with small spheres of calcite and chalcedony.

From Nuestra Señora del Carmen mine, La Celia Volcano, Jumilla, Murcia, Spain.

Historic site and world known especially for its magnificent fluorapatite crystals known since the 18th century. The species was named "Chrysolithe d'Espagne" (after Romé de L'Isle) and was also known by the names "Spargelstein" (Werner) and "Esparraguina" (in Spanish) due to the resemblance of the crystals to the stems of the asparagus.

The unusual orange SW fluorescence and the lavender MW fluorescence in these fluorapatites is activated by Sm³⁺.

Originally posted by Daniel C Montero on Nature's Rainbows in 2021.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Chalcedony (Mindat) (RRUFF)

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

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