Delicate Aragonite Crystals with Sulfur - Italy

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 6th, 2026
Locality: La Grasta Mine (Grasta Mine), Caltanissetta, Caltanissetta Province, Sicily, Italy (See on Mindat)
Size: 2.5 x 1.5 x 3 inches
Weight: 4.2 oz

Description:
This material responds differently to each wavelength of UV (SW, MW, LW) and is very phosphorescent. This piece is very detailed with hundreds of small, bladed crystals.

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

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Afterglow after exposure to shortwave UV light.

Normal light.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2

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 Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: White