Esoterizona Stones 32

Fluorescent Minerals

Fluorescent chalcedony from Guernsey, WY. Chalcedony takes a variety of forms, and the species from this locale is referred to as "youngite." SWUV. 3"x2"x1.5"

The druzy coating of fine quartz crystals over the chalcedony is a defining characteristic.

Fluorescent green veins of chalcedony in white magnesite. SWUV. 3"x2"x1.5"

Same under white light. (Yavapai County)

Sample courtesy of Polman Minerals.

This specimen is from a new find in the Santa Catalina mountain range. (Pima County)

Both the marble-like outer layer and inner teal colored layer fluoresce a mix of green and blue under SWUV. These minerals are yet to be identified. 4.5"x3"x2"

Backside of the Catalinas

Snow squalls in the valleys on the north side of the Santa Catalina range.

Snow accumulation on the shadowy portions of Oracle Control Road.

Upon closer inspection, it wasn't snow after all, but rather a type of snow called graupel.  Graupel forms when falling snowflakes encounter supercooled water vapor in a cloud and develop a rime of ice over their original crystalline structure.

Esoterizona Stones 31

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show 2015

Fluorescent Minerals

Scapolite var. meionite, soft yellow under SWUV, along with blue fluorescent diopside. 4"x3"x2.5" Grenville, Quebec, Canada.

Same under LWUV. This mineral is also commonly referred to as wernerite.

Same under white light.

Agrellite (lavender) and albite (dark red) under SWUV.

Kipawa Complex, Villedieu Twp., Quebec, Canada. 4"x2"x1.5"

Same under white light.

Fluorite and calcite from China. This piece is also fluorescent with nicely contrasting violet (fluorite LW) and red (calcite SW). 3"x2"x2"

Esoterizona Stones 30

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show 2015

Fluorescent Minerals

Gypsum var. selenite in rose crystal formation, SW & LW UV.

This mineral also has a long-lasting phosphoresence.

Same under white light. 2"x2"x2" - longest crystal is 0.75".

From Red River floodway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Agrellite fluoresces bright lavender under shortwave UV. The green is possibly calcite (it is fluorescent light blue under LWUV) or a different uranium-activated fluorescent mineral.

Kipawa Complex, Villedieu Twp., Quebec, Canada. 4"x3"x1.5"

Under white light. The non-fluorescent red crystals are eudialyte, the black are aegirine.

Also non-fluorescent are these crocoite crystals from the Adelaide Mine in Tasmania, Australia.  According to the pamphlet that came with the specimen, "the name crocoite is derived from krokos, the Greek for 'crocus' or 'saffron', due to its color." 3"x2.5"x2.5"

Close up of the crystals. FOV = 1"

Esoterizona Stones 29

Fluorescent Minerals

This piece is from a recent find in the Sierrita Mountains.  Under shortwave UV it has blue-white veins cutting through matrix that fluoresces a weak mustard yellow.  The veins are also phosphorescent.  These minerals are yet to be identified. 4.5"x3"x1" (Pima County)

Same under white light. 

Another piece with fluorescent blue-white, also phosphorescent. 5"x3"x4" (Pima County)

Same under white light.

Same - FOV 3.5" 

Chute and Ladder

An inviting mine opening on the outskirts of the Sierrita Mountains.

Viewed from above, to give a sense of the depth.

Same opening viewed from the side, showing the angle of descent.

The missing rung looks a little more treacherous from here.