Afghanite, Calcite, Phlogopite, etc. - Afghanistan

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 14th, 2026
Locality: Sar-e-Sang, Kuran wa Munjan District, Badakhshan, Afghanistan (See on Mindat)
Size: 4 x 3 x 7 inches
Weight: 3.97 lb

Description:
A lot going on with this amazing specimen from Badakhshan, Afghanistan. The first picture is shown under fullwave (SW+MW+LW) - phlogopite yellow, afghanite orange, calcite red, and white diopside crystals and fluorapatite that has blue fluorescence under MW. Best displayed under all three lamps: SW brings out the phlogopite and white diopside crystals, MW makes the calcite pop, and brings out a blue fluorescence from the fluorapatite, and LW is best for the afghanite. Individual pictures under each wavelength are shown in the 2nd gallery of thumbnails, and closeups in the 3rd gallery.

Originally posted by Mark Cole on Nature's Rainbows in 2016.

Fluorescence under fullwave (LW + MW + SW) UV light.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Normal light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light. Closeup of fluorapatite (violet).

Fluorescence under longwave and shortwave UV light. Closeup. Afghanite, phlogopite and diopside.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Closeup of phlogopite and diopside.

Normal light. Closeup of phlogopite and diopside.

Normal light. Closeup

Fluorescence under longwave UV light. Closeup

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light. Closeup

Summary of luminescence responses:

Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

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

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

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

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

• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Violet