Multi-wave Calcite - Franklin Mine, New Jersey
Contributed by: FMS Admin
Date: May 9th, 2026
Locality: Franklin Mine, Franklin, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA (See on Mindat)
Description:
So many times, when we see a blindingly bright calcite from Franklin, we yawn. However, sometimes there is a surprise. As usual, this one is quite bright under shortwave, of course with the obligatory green willemite specks and black franklinite splotches. However, under midwave, it is amazing. Peach, pink, fuchsia, blue, a little red, a little white and specks of green willemite, too. Longwave, mostly lighter reds and fuchsias, plus the willemite. Not shown is the familiar bright red brief, intense, phosphorescence (BIP); interestingly, it is the same under all wavelengths. Diversity, even in calcites from Franklin, is a wonderful thing. The rock on the left is three and a half pounds; the one on the right is about two and three-quarters.
Originally posted by Fire Viper on Nature's Rainbows in 2017.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Pink
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange