Fluorescent Gem Scapolite from Tanzania
Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: PL5-8TH
Date: May 21st, 2026
Locality: Tanzania (See on Mindat)
Size: 15.3 x 15.2 x 15.4 mm
Weight: 5 g
Description:
This sparkling little gem scapolite crystal was found at the 2018 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Its country of origin is Tanzania, but the region and mine location is not known. Under normal visible lighting, the tetragonal crystal has a gemmy, pale-yellow appearance. Luscious red fluorescence is seen under shortwave UV (254 nm) and it shows a pale pink response under longwave UV (365 nm).
Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2021.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Scapolite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Pink
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red