Vivid pink and blue fluorescence is seen in this specimen of smithsonite from the Glove Mine in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. When viewed under visible light, a peach colored smithsonite druse and linear boxwork is seen. Fluorescent only under short wave UV, the freshly broken surfaces of the boxwork show a vivid pink response, while the crystalline druse fluoresces a pastel blue color. This smithsonite from the Glove Mine shows a fluorescent response that is very similar, but perhaps somewhat brighter, than seen in similar specimens from the better known Choix, Mexico smithsonite location.
The Glove Mine is a past producer of lead, zinc, silver, copper, gold and molybdenum, and began operation during the mid 1900's. It was named after the finger-like ore deposits which lined the ends of tubular ore chimneys like a glove covering the fingers of a hand.
Vivid pink and pastel blue fluorescence is seen under short wave UV (254 nm) from this smithsonite specimen from the Glove Mine.
Same specimen, shown under visible light, featuring a botryoidal peach colored smithsonite druse and linear segments of boxwork.
This piece measures 81 x 37 x 24 mm.