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!

Very Phosphorescent Willemite, Calcite, Smithsonite - Puttapa Zinc Mine, Australia

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 6th, 2026
Locality: Beltana Mine, Puttapa, Pastoral Unincorporated Area, South Australia, Australia (See on Mindat)
Size: 3.5 x 2 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 17.1 oz

Description:
Amazingly phosphorescent (blue and green), very long lasting. The willemite on this piece is fluorescent both blue and green, with areas of orange calcite and orange/red smithsonite. The willemite also fluoresces a dull yellow under midwave. Both sides display very well.

Shortwave fluorescent pictures were taken at ISO-100, f/14.6 for 6 seconds.

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.
Normal light.
Normal light.
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2
Afterglow after exposure to shortwave UV light. Side 2.
Afterglow after exposure to shortwave UV light. Side 2.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Willemite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green
  • Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Yellow
  • Afterglow after exposure to Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green
Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red

FMDB Home Page
Submit a new specimen!
My Collection