Aragonite on Calcite, with Sulfur - Italy
Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 5th, 2026
Locality: La Grasta Mine (Grasta Mine), Caltanissetta, Caltanissetta Province, Sicily, Italy (See on Mindat)
Size: 3.5 x 3 x 5 inches
Weight: 1.94 lb
Description:
Every time I photograph one of these specimens I am struck by the detail and beauty. Vividly fluorescent but it does not stop there; the fluorescent response changes under each wavelength. And it is extremely phosphorescent to boot (see the picture below, no lights at all). If there were a contest for the classiest fluorescent mineral - as much as I like Greenland - this would make it a hard decision for me.
La Grasta Mine, Sommatino, Caltanisseta, Sicily, Italy
Originally posted by Mark Cole on Nature's Rainbows in 2016.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Aragonite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Red
- Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Pink
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Violet
- Afterglow after exposure to Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Green