Detailed and Delicate Aragonite from Sicily, Italy
Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 9th, 2026
Locality: La Grasta Mine (Grasta Mine), Caltanissetta, Caltanissetta Province, Sicily, Italy (See on Mindat)
Size: 3 x 1 x 5 inches
Weight: 5.5 oz
Description:
The La Grasta mine in Sicily operated from mid-1800 until 1930. Workers carried ore out on their backs. In the 60's the mine was reopened, renovated and worked until 1987. The La Grasta underground tunnels were abandoned in 1987, and all entrances were closed at the end of the 90's. Today, the mine area is fenced with no public access. Specimens of aragonite from many areas around Sicily exhibit this multi-color fluorescence and amazing phosphorescence. They are classic specimens. Note the small, druzy crystals and the multiple colors of the aragonite - very interesting piece.
Originally posted by Mark Cole on Nature's Rainbows in 2017.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Aragonite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Pink
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Violet
- Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Pink
- Afterglow after exposure to Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Green