Re: Please help with fluorescent minerals

Coming back to the UV lamps question, we must differentiate between long wave (UVA) and short wave (UVC). Long wave UV is available in small and very cheap LED torch, and I think this is a good instrument for beginners. Commercial UV LEDs emits in about 380 – 420 nm radiation which is almost innocuous to humans, although emits some blue visible light which mask little bit the real fluorescence. A special filter to avoid visible light can be adapted to these UVA LED torches improving their performance. Short (UVC, about 250 nm) and medium (UVB, about 300 nm) UV lamps are available for mineral purposes with prices of some hundred dollars. These yes they are dangerous and must be managed with special care. I think is a good idea to introduce childrens to the mineral world through special properties of some minerals as fluorescence, magnetism, birefringence and others. Personally I remember museums as a really boring thing when I was a child! Here can see my Fluorescent Minerals Ga…
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