Luminescence in Minerals

Luminescence

Count

Description

Cathodolumiescence

1

Color generated under the bombardment of electrons in a high vacuum environment. Used in geology to study minerals in thin section, especially dolomite. Generally not observed or reported in routine mineral analysis. This is the term used to describe the color generated in television picture tubes (cathode ray tubes).

Fluorescent

194

Defined as the absorption and re-emission of electromagnetic radiation at a lower wavelength. A very useful property that has may striking examples in the mineral kingdom where ultra-violet radiation is re-emitted in the visible spectrum.

Highly Radioactive

3

Minerals containing uranium and/or thorium elements in high concentrations that emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. The principle hazard to mineral collectors is the radon gas released into the atmosphere in a closed cabinet. 

Non-fluorescent

597

No visible fluorescence observed under a black light (source of ultra-violet radiation).

None

310

No luminescence observed.

Phosphorescent

19

After- glow of visible light emitted by the mineral when it is stimulated by ultra-violet light and observed alone in a dark place.

Piezoelectric

8

Mechanico-electrical effect observed in minerals that lack a center of symmetry element in the crystallographic parameters. See table in crystallography section to identify those crystal systems.

Radioactive

12

Minerals containing uranium and/or thorium elements in moderate to low concentrations that emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

Sometimes Fluorescent

4

Minerals that are not normally fluorescent but because of impurities can be fluorescent.

Triboluminescent

3

Emission of light due to mechanical stress on the crystal lattice. Commonly observed in WintOGreen Lifesavers when crushed in the mouth.

Weakly Fluorescent

5

Minerals that exhibit very weak fluorescence under the ultra-violet light.