Fluorescence is the subject of much study, as well as the center of attraction for organizations of hobbyist and enthusiast world wide. Some gemstones are well known for their fluorescence, while others will only have a rare occurrence that they fluoresce. But all are fascinating to study.

The cause of Fluorescence

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Fluorescence is made visible by using ultraviolet light that is of high wave lengths and barely visible to the human eye. The colors are caused when a gem material takes these ultraviolet light waves and slows them down sufficiently to be visible to the human eye. Just like the black lights that used to be hanging in the bars in the 1960's, where you could walk in with a particular shirt on and the colors would stand out. The black light was actually very bright and the material interacted with it to slow the light beams down enough to become very visible.

In gemstones, the light is slowed down enough to create visible light waves in a variety of colors that is dependent on the mineral or gemstone being viewed. As is the case with the willemite and calcite examples shown above.

Warning: Ultraviolet lights are very dangerous for your eyes with extended exposure. You should never use ultraviolet lights without proper UV protection for your eyes. Particularly with short wave ultraviolet. Be very careful to protect your eyes when using ultraviolet lights.