Table of Contents

• A New Discovery of Terlingua-Type Calcite in the Midwestern U.S. by Chris Clemens 1–8
• From the Editor: ‘Wash, Rinse, Repeat…’ by Howie Green 9–20
• E Is for Eucryptite by Simone Conti 21–27
• Lithium Batteries for UV Lamps by Edward Mayercik 27–30
• Coming Attractions: FMS Midwest Chapter Meeting by — 32

A New Discovery of Terlingua-Type Calcite in the Midwestern U.S.

By Chris Clemens · pp. 1–8

Terlingua-type calcite recently collected from rip rap along the Cedar River in Evansdale, Iowa, displays the characteristic bright blue shortwave response and persistent blue afterglow, as well as pink under longwave and lavender under midwave ultraviolet. The article traces the limestone to BMC Raymond Quarry near Raymond, Iowa, and documents the specimen’s calcite crystals and fluorescence across three ultraviolet wavelengths. It also summarizes proposed mechanisms involving radiation-induced defects and rare earth element impurities.

From the Editor: ‘Wash, Rinse, Repeat…’

By Howie Green · pp. 9–20

Iterative development is the central idea of this column, which connects the X-15 research program and John Cade’s discovery of lithium treatment for mania to a broader account of experimentation, revision, and scientific progress. The column also presents illustrated mineral discussions of polylithionite, spodumene, and lithium-bearing tourmaline, including elbaite from Pakistan. Specimen localities include Greenland’s Ilímaussaq complex, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Tajikistan, Brazil, Finland, and other sites.

E Is for Eucryptite

By Simone Conti · pp. 21–27

Eucryptite’s occurrence, history, associations, and red shortwave response are surveyed through specimens from eight localities, including the new Strathmore pegmatites locality in Namibia. The article reviews the mineral’s lithium-aluminosilicate chemistry, its relationship to spodumene and petalite, and published locality reports from North America, Africa, Australia, and China. Comparing measured emission spectra, it finds broadly similar peaks among the specimens and discusses iron impurities as the proposed activator; examples also show associations with scheelite and fluorite.

Lithium Batteries for UV Lamps

By Edward Mayercik · pp. 27–30

Lithium-ion battery characteristics and safe use are explained for collectors powering portable ultraviolet lamps. The article traces battery development from early lithium-metal designs through intercalation electrodes and graphite anodes, then outlines cell construction, charge and discharge, and differences among energy, power, and hybrid cells. It compares battery demands for flashlight-based ultraviolet sources and mercury-vapor lamps, describes protected and unprotected cells, and gives charging, storage, and temperature guidance intended to reduce damage and safety risks.

Coming Attractions: FMS Midwest Chapter Meeting

p. 32

The FMS Midwest Chapter’s annual meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2022, in Marion, Kentucky, alongside the Spring rock and mineral show at the Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum. The planned day includes a fluorescent mineral swap, sale, and show-and-tell, guided museum tours, and regional collecting opportunities in the historic Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. The gathering is set to take place at the Crittenden County Senior Center, across the street from the museum.