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!

Calcite and Sphalerite, on Galena and Pyrite - Huanzala, Peru

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 13th, 2026
Locality: Huanzala Mine, Huanzala, Huallanca District, Bolognesi Province, Ancash, Peru (See on Mindat)
Size: 3 x 2 x 3 inches
Weight: 13.8 oz

Description:
This is a find from one of the Peruvian dealers at the 2017 Tucson show. The first picture is a combination of longwave and shortwave; the sphalerite is really only fluorescent under LW, while the calcite shows best under SW. Interestingly, the sphalerite - unlike most - is not phosphorescent. The calcite shows an intense but brief flash.

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

Fluorescence under longwave and shortwave UV light.
Fluorescence under longwave and shortwave UV light.
Fluorescence under longwave UV light.
Fluorescence under longwave UV light.
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.
Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.
Normal light.
Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

  • Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Red
  • Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red
Sphalerite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
  • Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange

FMDB Home Page
Submit a new specimen!
My Collection