Afghanite, Calcite, Phlogopite, and more - Afghanistan

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 8th, 2026
Locality: Sar-e-Sang, Kuran wa Munjan District, Badakhshan, Afghanistan (See on Mindat)
Size: 2 x 1.5 x 4 inches
Weight: 9 oz

Description:
Afghanite - duller yellow longwave, phlogopite - bright yellow shortwave, calcite - reddish SW and MW, diopside crystals in calcite and massive diopside in the matrix - white SW. Beautiful example of a mixed species from Afghanistan; many IDs are subject to verification. Closeup under SW and MW shown.

Originally posted by Mark Cole on Nature's Rainbows in 2018.

Fluorescence under midwave and shortwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave and shortwave UV light. Closeup.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Side 2

Fluorescence under midwave UV light. Side 2.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light. Side 2.

Normal light. Side 2.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Diopside (Mindat) (RRUFF)

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

• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Yellow
• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Orange

• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red
• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red

• Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange