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.

ALL ARTICLES

AUSTRALIA

COLLECTING MINERALS

DIY ARTICLES

FRANKLIN

FLUORESCENT LIGHTS

GREENLAND

MINERALS

MINERAL DISPLAYS

MINERAL OF THE MONTH

MINERAL PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOSPHORESCENCE

SWEDEN

TENEBRESCENCE

TRIP REPORTS

UV FLASHLIGHTS

MinerShop Blog / Minerals

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
2 comments
Tagged: Greenland, Mineral of The Month, Minerals
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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: Australia, 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
1 comment
Tagged: Greenland, Mineral of The Month, Minerals
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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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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
1 comment
Tagged: Collecting Minerals, Flashlights, 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.
Posted on May 30, 2023
Tagged: Minerals
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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
Posted on May 30, 2023
Tagged: Greenland, Minerals, Tenebrescent
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Fluorescent Mineral Show

Ultraviolation 2017 Show Report

As a short digression to provide background, Ultraviolation is a unique rock and mineral show in that only fluorescent minerals are sold.
Posted on February 27, 2023
1 comment
Tagged: Collecting Minerals, Minerals, Trip Reports
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Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland

The Fluorescent Minerals of Greenland

The Ilímaussaq complex is one of the world's most fascinating igneous complexes with an abundance of rare elements.
Posted on February 16, 2023
Tagged: Greenland, Minerals
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2017 FMS Midwest Chapter Annual Meeting

2017 FMS Midwest Chapter Annual Meeting

The Midwest Chapter of the Fluorescent Mineral Society (FMS) held its first annual meeting at the Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum in Marion, Kentucky, on Saturday, September 16th.
Posted on February 13, 2023
Tagged: Minerals, Trip Reports
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esperite and hardystonite classic franklin fluorescent mineral

Photographing Esperite (and other "hard rocks")

I have a nickname for esperite pieces – I call them “hard rocks”, very hard to photograph. Our rocks “glow” like a lightbulb. 
Posted on February 13, 2023
Tagged: Franklin, Mineral Photography, Minerals
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Calcite and Willemite Phosphorescence

Catching the Afterglow - Taking Pictures of Phosphorescent Minerals

Many minerals exhibit an “afterglow” when the UV light is turned off. This glow can last for milliseconds or hours depending on the mineral. 
Posted on February 13, 2023
Tagged: Minerals
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