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Brightly Fluorescent Fluorapatite Crystal from Bolivia

Chris Clemens

Brightly fluorescent crystal of fluorapatite from Cochabamba, Bolivia (possibly the Kami Mine). This specimen shows an unusual, bright, multi-colored, multi-wavelength fluorescent response under UV. The crystal measures 60 x 40 x 32 mm and weighs 116 grams.

As shown in the photo montage above, this specimen shows an unusual multi-colored, multi-wavelength fluorescent response under UV. The crystal is shown under visible light (upper left), short wave UV (upper right), mid wave UV (lower left), and long wave UV (lower right).


Closer view of the same specimen, shown under visible light. Single, translucent pink crystal of fluorapatite from Cochabamba, Bolivia (possibly the Kami Mine).

Under short wave UV (254 nm), the crystal shows bright orange fluorescence.

Bright, pale pink fluorescence is seen under mid wave UV (302 nm).

Under long wave UV (365 nm), pink fluorescence is seen.

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