Fluorescent Minerals
As your eyes adjust to the blackness, the room begins to dance with a thousand spots of brilliant color. "Oohs" and "aahs" of delight and wonder fill the room.
Welcome to the fluorescent mineral collection. This is just one of many exhibits you'll find when you visit the newly redecorated Museum in the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University."
written by Debbie Dalhouse
As minerals crystallize, stray atoms can be incorporated into the crystal structure. These impurities, known as activators, can react with ultraviolet light (which is invisible). When the ultraviolet light hits the activators, electrons of the atom absorb the energy and are bumped up to a higher energy level. These electrons then fall back into their original places, giving off absorbed energy in the form of heat and visible light (fluorescense).
Put your mouse on the image below to see the effect ultraviolet light has on that mineral.
