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Chris Clemens

Fluorescent Calcite, Fluorite, Willemite, from the Purple Passion Mine, Arizona

This is a striking specimen from the Purple Passion Mine, Wickenburg area, Yavapai Co., Arizona, consisting of coarsely crystalline rock that fluoresces brightly under all three UV wavelengths. The primary component minerals in this piece are calcite, fluorite, and willemite. Under short wave UV the calcite fluoresces bright red, the fluorite dim blue/purple, and the willemite bright green/white with lasting phosphorescence. When the wavelength is switched to mid wave UV, the calcite again glows bright red and the fluorite comes alive with bright blue fluorescence. Under long wave UV only the fluorite responds with a saturated deep blue fluorescence. When exposed to all three wavelengths simultaneously (full wave UV), the resulting bright, multi-colored, fluorescent response is quite striking. This specimen measures 10.8 x 6.7 x 4.1 cm, and weighs 292 grams.

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