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Popcorn Barite, Linwood Mine, Buffalo, Iowa

A plate of off-white barite crystals on a limestone matrix, from the Linwood Mine, Buffalo, Scott Co., Iowa. This particular material is known locally as "Popcorn Barite," and is brightly fluorescent and phosphorescent. Under short wave UV (254nm) the barite shows a bright blue/white fluorescent response with blue/green phosphorescence. The barite shows a similar fluorescent response under long wave UV (365nm) with dim green phosphorescence. Approximate dimensions are 14 x 10 x 5 cm.

Mouse over the scrolling images for wavelength information.

As shown in the photograph above, taken under long wave UV (365 nm), the barite shows a bright, ghostly blue/white fluorescent response.

Following exposure to long wave UV, dim green phosphorescence is seen.

Under short wave UV (254 nm), bright blue/white fluorescence is seen.


Dim blue/green phosphorescence is seen following exposure to short wave UV.

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