Table of Contents

• Beam me up Sayunei… Part 2 by Conrad North 1–3
• From the Editor—“We’re Proud to Announce……” by Howie Green 4–8
• Structural Coloration in Nature; The Mineral(oid)s Strike Back by Howie Green 6–8
• Feature Article—Fluorescent Minerals of the Linwood Mine by Everett Harrington and Christopher Clemens 9–11
• “On the Rocks”, or Tales of the Hunt by Ken and Gail Hennig 12–13
• Important Notice for Recipients of UV Waves Paper Version by — 14
• Sustaining Member Notice by George V. Polman 14

Beam me up Sayunei… Part 2

By Conrad North · pp. 1–3

The search for fluorescent minerals on the Moon and Mars connects lunar zircon research with Curiosity rover imaging. Researchers used short-wave ultraviolet light and microscopy to isolate rare zircon grains from lunar soil without contaminating the samples. The article also recounts Curiosity’s MAHLI observations of the rock Sayunei: a suspected fluorescent feature was judged more likely to be a reflection from unfiltered ultraviolet LEDs. Further attempts to detect fluorescence on Mars remain warranted.

From the Editor—“We’re Proud to Announce……”

By Howie Green · pp. 4–8

A neighborhood flock of Indian blue peafowl provides the basis for observations of bird behavior, nesting, courtship, feather structure, and vision. The account describes the birds’ social habits and the layered construction of their elaborate tail feathers, then considers competing explanations for the evolution of the train. It also explains that peafowl perceive colors differently from humans and introduces structural coloration as a key feature of their feathers.

Structural Coloration in Nature; The Mineral(oid)s Strike Back

By Howie Green · pp. 6–8

Structural coloration in precious opal and peacock feathers arises from optical structures rather than color-producing pigments alone. In opal, regularly packed silica spheres and the spaces between them diffract light, producing angle-dependent play of color. Peacock-feather barbules contain nanoscale arrangements of keratin, melanin rods, and air gaps that selectively reflect particular wavelengths. The article relates these natural structures to photonic crystals and explains how differences in spacing and layering generate distinct colors.

Feature Article—Fluorescent Minerals of the Linwood Mine

By Everett Harrington and Christopher Clemens · pp. 9–11

Barite and calcite from Iowa’s Linwood Mine display varied ultraviolet responses, crystal habits, and internal zoning. The account documents barite forms ranging from prismatic crystals to plumose clusters, including specimens with strong afterglows and recently observed face-selective responses. It also examines fluorescent calcite, including white and pink-red reactions and distinctive calcite-marcasite specimens from the Master Blaster Pocket. Raman spectroscopy and other observations are discussed in relation to possible activators and changing fluid chemistry.

“On the Rocks”, or Tales of the Hunt

By Ken and Gail Hennig · pp. 12–13

Rockhounding trips in New Mexico and Arizona yield fluorescent minerals and unexpected finds, including rare otavite at the Mahoney Mining Area near Deming, New Mexico. X-ray diffraction identified the cherry-red fluorescent mineral in a specimen alongside calcite and hemimorphite. The account also describes collecting at the Nelly James Mine near Miller Peak, where specimens can combine smithsonite, calcite, willemite, and hydrozincite. The authors emphasize using an adequate ultraviolet lamp to assess material in the field.

Important Notice for Recipients of UV Waves Paper Version

p. 14

The Fluorescent Mineral Society announces a change to dues for members receiving a printed copy of UV Waves. General membership dues will increase to $50 per year for payments made after October 1, 2020, reflecting the cost of printing and mailing. The notice explains the Basic, General, Patron, and Sustaining membership options and encourages printed-issue recipients to consider switching to Basic membership, which includes electronic delivery.

Sustaining Member Notice

By George V. Polman · p. 14

Polman Minerals advertises fluorescent mineral specimens, ultraviolet lamps, protective glasses, educational kits, books, and display cases for collectors. The business, operated by professional geologist George V. Polman, offers specimens from Arizona, Franklin and Sterling Hill, and other localities through its Phoenix operation and website. The notice also announces plans to return to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in January and February 2021, with a broad selection of fluorescent minerals.