Scapolite var. Marialite Crystal - Badakhshan, Afghanistan

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 10th, 2026
Locality: Sar-e-Sang, Kuran wa Munjan District, Badakhshan, Afghanistan (See on Mindat)
Size: 3 x 2 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 18 oz

Description:
Typically, marialite from Afghanistan is fluorescent a deep red under SW. This specimen appears extra rich in color to me. On top of that there is a coating of a green mineral - most likely uranyl activated. Imagine the wonders to be found in this area if only they had UV lights in Afghanistan. Under MW and LW the color shifts to the typical yellow seen in most marialites. But not as bright as in some - perhaps the reason for the rich color under SW.

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

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Marialite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

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