Fluorescent and Phosphorescent Calcite - Annabel Lee Mine, Cave-In-Rock, Illinois

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: F7X-54H
Date: May 20th, 2026
Locality: Annabel Lee Mine, Harris Creek Mining Sub-District, Hardin County, Illinois, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 62 x 41 x 83 mm
Weight: 172 g

Description:
This is a subtle, but beautiful fluorescent specimen from a classic Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, location - the Annabel Lee Mine. Comprised of a cluster of off-white calcite crystals on a limestone/dolomite matrix, this piece shows a similar fluorescent response under all wavelengths of UV light. It fluoresces a lovely yellow/blue with green phosphorescence but shows the brightest response under LW.

Mindat.org Photo of the Day - 20th Dec 2021

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2016.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Afterglow after exposure to longwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: White
• Afterglow after exposure to Longwave (365nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green
• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: White
• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: White