Fluorescent and Phosphorescent Aroona Zinc Mine Amalgamation – Australia
Contributed by: FMS Admin
Date: Feb 23rd, 2026
Locality: Aroona Mine, Leigh Creek, Pastoral Unincorporated Area, South Australia, Australia (See on Mindat)
Size: 1.5 x 0.5 x 3 inches
Weight: 3 oz
Description:
We have had plenty of postings from the Puttapa Zinc Mine, so it is now time for one from its neighbor, the Aroona Zinc mine. Evidently there is a much greater dolomite presence at this mine which is also in the Flinders range in the Australian Outback. Both mines are part of the Beltana Mining complex.
Shortwave ultraviolet light fluorescence from this mine usually involves more of a pure red [dolomite] when compared to the Puttapa orange red [calcite]. Willemite often is a light green blue color [not so much for this example]. Most phosphoresce and tend to fluoresce a bright yellow under Longwave and Midwave ultraviolet light illumination. This one does not fluoresce brightly under LW or MW.
Pictures were taken at ISO-100, f/11 for 2.5 seconds.
Originally posted by John Rofrano on Nature's Rainbows.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Dolomite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green