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!

Gem Tugtupite from Greenland - "The King of Fluorescent Minerals"

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 9th, 2026
Locality: Kuannersuit Plateau (Kvanefjeld), Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland (See on Mindat)
Size: 4 x 1.5 x 5 inches
Weight: 1.89 lb

Description:
Before 2000, small tugtupite pieces (2" to 3") were selling for $500 or more. They earned the moniker "King of Fluorescent Minerals" due to the rich red color and brightness. In 2001, I started supplying pieces to the market, prices dropped, and we haven\'t looked back. Quality pieces still garner top dollar, but the sizes have also increased (such as this piece).

Originally posted by Mark Cole on Nature's Rainbows in 2017.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.
Fluorescence under midwave UV light.
Fluorescence under midwave UV light.
Fluorescence under longwave UV light.
Fluorescence under longwave UV light.
Tenebrescence after exposure to shortwave UV light.
Tenebrescence after exposure to shortwave UV light.
Normal light.
Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Tugtupite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

  • Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange
  • Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Pink
  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red

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