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Fluorescent and Phosphorescent Calcite, Annabel Lee Mine, Cave-In-Rock, Illinois

Chris Clemens

This is a subtle, but beautiful fluorescent specimen from a classic Cave-In-Rock, IL, location- the Annabel Lee Mine. Comprised of a cluster of off-white calcite crystals on a limestone/dolomite matrix, this piece shows a similar fluorescent response under all wavelengths of UV light. It fluoresces a lovely yellow/blue with green phosphorescence, but shows the brightest response under LW. The size of this specimen is 83 x 62 x 41 mm, and weighs 172 grams.

View under long wave UV (365 nm). This picture was Mindat Photo of the Day on 12/20/21.

Phosphorescence following exposure to long wave UV.


As shown above, a similar fluorescent response is seen under short wave UV (254 nm) at left, and mid wave UV (302 nm) at right. Click on the individual images for a larger view.

Same specimen shown under visible light.

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