top of page

Brilliant Green Fluorescent Willemite from the Sterling Mine

Chris Clemens

A red/brown, somewhat rhombohedral, piece of nearly pure willemite, with minor calcite. This red variety of willemite contains manganese and is known as Troostite. Under short wave UV the willemite fluoresces very bright green with lasting phosphorescence, and two small areas of calcite show a typical red response. The specimen shows a similar, but less bright, response under long wave UV. The dimensions of this piece are 45.4 x 41.4 x 19.5 mm, and it weighs 80 grams.

Brilliant green fluorescence under short wave UV (254 nm).

Green phosphorescence/afterglow following exposure to short wave UV (254 nm).

A similar, but less bright response is seen under long wave UV (365 nm).

Same specimen shown under visible light.

Nature’s Rainbows is a non-commercial website for the hobby community.  It is maintained entirely by volunteer hobbyists and contributors.  Our mission is to provide information about UV and luminescence, premium fluorescent mineral photos, and a fluorescent mineral database for the enjoyment of FL mineral collectors around the world.  Information on this web site is covered under a Creative Commons License.


Feel free to contact us with comments and suggestions.

bottom of page