Terlingua-Type Calcite - Cave Stone Co. Quarry, Norristown, Indiana
Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: LDA-KG6
Date: May 19th, 2026
Locality: Cave Stone Co. Quarry, Norristown, Shelby County, Indiana, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 58 x 54 x 112 mm
Weight: 369 g
Description:
Pink to white cleavage rhombs of Terlingua-type calcite on a limestone matrix, from the Cave Stone Co. Quarry, Norristown, Indiana. This calcite is described in Manual Robbins' book ("Fluorescence, Gems and Minerals Under Ultraviolet Light", 1994, p. 77) for its classic Terlingua-type fluorescence and Midwestern US location. Named for the location of the initial discovery of the type specimens in the mercury mines of Terlingua, Texas, a Terlingua-type fluorescent response is typified by calcite that shows bright blue fluorescence under shortwave UV, followed by bright and lasting blue afterglow, and bright pink fluorescence under longwave UV (365 nm).
This specimen shows the classic Terlingua-type bright blue fluorescence with lasting phosphorescence under SW UV, and a bright pink response under LW UV. This is a beautiful fluorescent specimen from an uncommon Midwestern location.
Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2016.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Pink
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Blue
- Afterglow after exposure to Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Blue