Fluorescent Mineral Database

A new secret project! Trying to create a nice Fluorescent Mineral Database (FMDB), which would be searchable by mineral, locality, and luminescence properties. Also making it easy for people to contribute with their own specimens!

Sodalite and Chkalovite - Greenland

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Mar 19th, 2026
Locality: Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland (See on Mindat)
Size: 2 x 2 x 3 inches
Weight: 8.8 oz

Description:
Bright orange fluorescing sodalite with blue/green fluorescing chkalovite from Tunuliarfik, Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland. The sodalite is nicely tenebrescent (hackmanite). At the lower left is an area of phosphorescence - note the reddish fluorescence. Not sure if this is sodalite also, or a different mineral; seems stronger under MW. Longwave also shown as well as shortwave, 2nd side. Non-fluorescent crystals are aegirine.

Fluorescent pictures were taken at ISO-100, f/8 for 1 second.

Originally posted by Mark Cole on Nature's Rainbows in 2016.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.
Fluorescence under midwave UV light.
Fluorescence under midwave UV light.
Fluorescence under longwave UV light.
Fluorescence under longwave UV light.
Tenebrescence after exposure to shortwave UV light.
Tenebrescence after exposure to shortwave UV light.
Normal light.
Normal light.
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2

Summary of luminescence responses:

Sodalite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

  • Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange
  • Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Orange
  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Orange
Chkalovite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Blue

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