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.

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.
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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.)
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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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.
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What Kind of UV Flashlight Do I Need? (365nm versus 390/395/400nm Unfiltered UV Flashlights)

What Kind of UV Flashlight Do I Need? (365nm versus 390/395/400nm Unfiltered UV Flashlights)

This is an educational post, directed towards folks new to the hobby. There has been discussion in our FB group lately about using cheapie 39Xnm flashlights for fluorescent minerals. 
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Collecting Fluorescent Minerals - The Basics, Where to Find Them, and How to Collect Them

Collecting Fluorescent Minerals - The Basics, Where to Find Them, and How to Collect Them

Rock collecting is a pretty easy hobby to get into - buy a hammer, find a pile of rocks, and you're rock collecting.
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What is Tenebrescence? (All about Hackmanite - Hint: it's not fluorescence)

What is Tenebrescence? (All about Hackmanite - Hint: it's not fluorescence)

Minerals which are capable of this reversible color change by exposure to UV (or other energy sources), without any change in their essential composition, are said to be tenebrescent
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Tugtupite vein

Tugtupite - A Rare Fluorescent Mineral from Greenland

Tugtupite is the most widely known fluorescent mineral from Greeenland. It is used in making beautiful tugtupite cabochons. 
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