MinerShop Blog

Welcome to the MinerShop blog. We write about pretty much anything that sparks our interest. We've sorted our articles into the categories below.

MINERALS

COLLECTING MINERALS

Mineral Displays

MINERAL PHOTOGRAPHY

MINERAL OF THE MONTH

PHOSPHORESCENCE

TENEBRESCENCE

UV FLASHLIGHTS

FLUORESCENT LIGHTS

DIY ARTICLES

TRIP REPORTS

GREENLAND

ALL ARTICLES

MinerShop Blog

A photo of Greenland from plane

The Fluorescent Minerals of Greenland - An Overview

We will divide this blog into a 5 series post with a focus on the following areas:

  1. Overview of Greenland and the Fluorescent Minerals from this Locality
  2. Kvanefjeld Minerals
  3. Taseq Slope Minerals
  4. Tunuliarfik Minerals
  5. Kangerlussaq Minerals
Posted on August 04, 2023
Tagged: Greenland, Minerals
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A fluorescent mineral specimen of tugtupite and sodalite

The Fluorescent Mineral Hobby

Collecting Fluorescent Minerals is an exciting and very satisfying hobby that combines the appreciation of minerals and their unique optical properties. Fluorescent minerals can be found almost anywhere and are often there just for the taking. A spot picked over by daylight mineral rockhounds can be filled with glow rocks at night - the last person never knowing what was left behind. 
Posted on July 28, 2023
Tagged: Collecting Minerals, Mineral Displays, Minerals
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A calcite mineral specimen showing phosphorescence

Glowing Wonders: The Magic of Phosphorescence and Illuminating The Difference Between Fluorescence Vs Phosphorescence

What is Phosphorescence? Phosphorescence is a fascinating optical phenomenon exhibited by certain materials that can absorb and store energy from light or other radiation sources and later emit it in the form of light over an extended period of time. This emission of light persists even after the initial light source is removed. Phosphorescence is often confused with fluorescence, but they are distinct processes. 
Posted on July 20, 2023
Tagged: Minerals, Phosphorescence
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A green aventurine quartz greenlandite cabochon

Mineral of the Month: Greenlandite, The Story of One of Earth’s Oldest Gemstones

A rare gemstone, greenlandite began its remarkable journey in the land of Greenland, where rugged landscapes and fascinating geology intertwined. Greenland was renowned for its geological diversity and bountiful array of minerals, but only some were as captivating as the precious stone known as "Greenlandite."
Posted on July 17, 2023
Tagged: Greenland, Mineral of The Month, Minerals
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A Detailed Overview of Fluorescent Mineral Displays

A Detailed Overview of Fluorescent Mineral Displays

You’ve got this great collection of fluorescent minerals, how can you show it off? Build a display! A well-designed fluorescent mineral display can really accentuate and add to any décor space you may have. It’s a great way to allow anyone to appreciate the hobby. You can build your own display at home using some simple cabinetry and a good UV display light (and don’t forget a UV filtering clear front panel for safety as any UV escaping from the cabinet is harmful to eyes and skin). Here are some great displays from some of our fluorescent mineral group members to gather some ideas.
Posted on July 11, 2023
Tagged: DIY, Mineral Displays
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Icebergs at dusk in Greenland

Howie and His White Whale - An Old Greenland Trip Report

"Howie and His White Whale" is a combined report of one man's initial trip and how it turned into a subsequent quest for "Ahab's white whale" of fluorescent minerals - and became an obsession.   (Howie has visited the complex with us every year except for the first.)
Posted on July 10, 2023
Tagged: Collecting Minerals, Greenland, Trip Reports
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The Puttapa Zinc Mine in Australia

The Puttapa Zinc Mine in Australia

A relatively unknown and obscure zinc deposit in the remote area of the Australian Outback has become famous for producing dramatic fluorescent specimens of willemite mixed with several other minerals.
Posted on July 07, 2023
Tagged: Minerals, Trip Reports
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A nuummite cabochon set in a piece of sterling silver

Mineral of the Month: Nuummite (Greenland)

Welcome to our monthly feature where we showcase a special mineral. This month, we are excited to highlight Nuummite, an exquisite metamorphic rock renowned for its deep black color and shimmering golden bands. To unravel the history and origin of this ancient stone, we embark on a journey to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, accessible only by boat. 
Posted on June 30, 2023
Tagged: Greenland, Mineral of The Month, Minerals
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NiteLite - A Dual-Wave UV 365nm and White Light Flashlight

NiteLite - A Dual-Wave UV 365nm and White Light Flashlight

The NiteLite is a dual-wave light, with both 365nm UV and a bright white light. White light mode is as bright as any flashlight you would want when prospecting at night with a wide floody beam. You can easily navigate tough terrains, and at the click of a button, switch between white light and UV.
Posted on June 27, 2023
Tagged: Flashlights
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A large display of fluorescent minerals

Displaying Fluorescent Minerals

A fluorescent mineral display will allow others to view the results of your hobby and marvel at its wonders. The presentation can be as complex or as simple as you want. 
Posted on June 26, 2023
Tagged: DIY, Mineral Displays, Minerals
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Calcite, fluorite, hydrozincite

Minerva No. 1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Illinois

The Minerva mine was located in Illinois. Discovered in 1940 it was mined off and on until 1996. Many spectacular specimens have come from this mine over the years - including fluorescent species such as fluorite, sphalerite, calcite, dolomite, strontianite, and witherite.
Posted on June 22, 2023
Tagged: Trip Reports
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A clam fossil with honey calcite crystals under UV light

What are the most common fluorescent minerals to be found with a 365nm UV flashlight?

What are the most common fluorescent minerals to be found with a 365nm UV flashlight? We’ve come up with a list of fluorescent minerals as a starting point. Fluorescent ruby, honey calcite, green opal, aragonite, fluorite, etc.
Posted on June 13, 2023
Tagged: Collecting Minerals, Flashlights, Minerals
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