illuminating science
We produce engaging, informative, and high-quality collections and kits for anyone interested in learning about the science of light.
Check out our collections of fluorescent gemstones, minerals, shells, glass, and more at our Etsy and Amazon stores! Fluorescent minerals absorb high energy light (from the included UV flashlights) and emit visible light in a rainbow of colors. Watch rubies light up red, the yellow, orange, and pink hues from sodalite, and the bright green glow from Willemite! All kits come with fluorescent materials, UV lights to view the fluorescence, and educational information about the chemistry and origin of the minerals, the science behind fluorescence, and tips for adding to your collection of fluorescent materials.
Adria Updike, CEO
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Are fluorescent materials safe?
Yes! Fluorescent materials are not dangerous to handle just because they're fluorescent. However, some materials can be both fluorescent and hazardous, so it's a good idea to know a bit about what you're collecting.
Fluorescent Minerals
Many gems and minerals can exhibit fluorescence under the right circumstances. Those circumstances include the inherent chemistry of the mineral itself, small inclusions that may depend on the location in which the mineral was found, the purity and clarity of the mineral, and the wavelength of light shining on the mineral - some fluorescence requires high energy excitation lights than others. In many cases, you can get a number of stones from the same source and some will fluoresce while others don't. That's one of the fun (and often frustrating) aspects of collecting - you never know what you might find!Below, you'll find a collection of photographs I took of minerals in my collection under a range of wavelengths to get an idea for what fluorescence in that mineral might look like and how you might expect to see it.
Hazardous Fluorescent Minerals
Don't eat your rocks! Most common fluorescent minerals require no special instructions for handling and storage, but there are a few you'll want to watch out for. With proper handling and storage, these can be beautiful additions to your collection!In general, it's a good idea not to eat, lick, or inhale particles from your rocks, no matter what they are.Cerussite, a light brown crystal that fluoresces a bright yellow under longwave UV light, contains a high concentration of lead. Lead is a toxin in our bodies, so if you include cerussite in your collection, either wear gloves while handling it or wash your hands afterwards. Don't grind it up or inhale dust from your cerussite.Adamite is a zinc and arsenic-containing mineral that can fluoresce yellow under shortwave and longwave UV. It's fragile and contains toxic levels of arsenic, and dissolves easily in acidic solutions, so if you decide to include it in your collection, store it in a glass box and leave it in there. Don't handle it, break off pieces, attempt to grind or facet it, or breathe in particles that have come off it.Some minerals fluoresce green under longwave or midwave UV light due to a small amount of uranium in the material. Uranium is a naturally-occurring radioactive material found in soil all over the Earth. As it decays, it produces (among other things) radon gas, a carcinogenic gas.Fluorescent minerals containing a tiny amount of uranium include some agates, geodes, chalcedony, adamite, opal, Tiffany Stone, and Hyalite Opal. The amount of uranium in these rocks is tiny and does not present a health hazard; you don't need to take any extra safety precautions when handling these minerals.However, there are some fluorescent minerals with much higher concentrations of uranium that can pose a health hazard. Autunite and Andersonite are examples; Autunite can be half uranium by itself! Uranium emits several types of radiation as it decays, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, all of which are dangerous in high enough concentrations. Fortunately, alpha particles can be easily blocked (a sheet of paper will do it - but a glass or acrylic case is even better!) and will block the majority of the beta radiation as well. As for the gamma rays, not much will block those, so your best option is to just not keep it very close to you. Radiation levels drop with the inverse square law, so simply moving away from it can be the best protection. Don't store these materials close to where you eat, sleep, or hang out, and you'll be fine. Keep them in a place with good ventilation (doors and windows that open regularly) and you won't have to worry about the radon gas either.
Are UV lights safe?
That depends on the light!We generally divide UV light sources into three categories - UVA (longwave UV), UVB (midwave UV), and UVC (shortwave UV). Read up on the science of light to learn about how light is classified and measured! UV light is absorbed by glass, so if you want to permanently light up your collection, aim the UV light source at the minerals and put the lights and minerals behind glass doors for safer viewing.
UVA: Longwave UV (395 nm and 365 nm lights)
Longwave UV ranges from the edge of blue light at 400 nm to 315 nm and has the least energy of the three types of UV light, and thus poses the least danger. Longwave UV light includes the common UV flashlights you'll find around 395 nm and 365 nm and the lights you'll find in tanning beds, UV resin curers, and nail salons. Longwave UV flashlights may or may not be sold with a visible-light blocking filter. UVA radiation can cause wrinkles and may be linked to some types of skin cancers, so it's not a good idea to stare directly into the light source or point it at your skin for long periods of time.
UVB: Midwave UV (310 nm lights)
Midwave UV flashlights made with LEDs are a relatively new addition to the market for fluorescent mineral collectors, and can be more affordable and often show many of the same colors you'd see with a shortwave UV light. UVB light extends from 315 nm down to 280 nm, and UVB lights should come with a visible-light blocking filter (otherwise the visible light also emitted by the LED can overwhelm the dimmer fluorescence). UVB light is higher energy than UVA light and longterm exposure can cause skin and eye cancer, so point the flashlight away from eyes and skin while using.
UVC: Shortwave UV (254 nm lights)
Shortwave UV lights include the UVC wavelength range of 280 nm down to 100 nm (at which point the light becomes x-rays). This is the highest energy category of UV light and thus the most dangerous, as it includes ionizing radiation that can cause cancer. Fortunately, UVC radiation doesn't travel very far through air and is quickly absorbed. UVC light sources need to include a visible-light filter. Don't point UVC light sources at eyes or skin while using them, and if you have a permanent UVC light display for your collection, keep it behind glass - glass also absorbs UV light.