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.

fluorescent mineral specimen of tugtupite, sodalite

Common Questions About Fluorescent Minerals – An FAQ Guide

Fluorescent minerals can be fascinating to those who discover these hidden treasures and they often raise various questions. Here are some common questions related to fluorescent minerals.
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a group of fluorescent minerals

Earth's Hidden Treasures: Exploring the Top 10 Most Common Fluorescent Minerals

Explore the top ten most common fluorescent minerals such as fluorite, opal, calcite, aragonite, willemite, hackmanite and more. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, these remarkable specimens emit a captivating and colorful glow
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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
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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. 
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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. 
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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."
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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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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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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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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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