Helvetia Trip Report
Helvetia. Just the name conjures up all sorts of thoughts, images and expectations. Goddesses, Switzerland, and perhaps even hell itself. Who knew what awaited us in the heart of the Arizona desert?
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.
Fluorescent Mineral Collecting Field Trip to the Midwest
I cancelled my plans to take the grandchildren to the fall Franklin Mineral Show. As a Plan B, I decided to go to the Midwest Chapter of the Fluorescent Mineral Society (FMS) meeting and fieldtrips near Cave-in Rock, IL
Fluorescent Mineral Collecting in Middle Tennessee (The Dry Creek Prospects)
It was officially spring and time to get out to collect fluorescent minerals.
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.
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.
Tenebrescence Experiments, Theories, Questions, and even some Facts
Recently I posted a question about Afghan sodalite (hackmanite) after reviewing the MinRec article about Sar-E-Sang. Someone reminded me that there was a large discussion on this topic last year. I dug out that discussion and copied it here to the blog. This is one reason we created Nature's Rainbows - to capture these excellent discussions.
Greenland Sodalite Hackmanite - Quick Change Artist, Tenebrescent Champion
Tenebrescence of Greenland sodalite is amazing. This is a piece of a deeply tenebrescent sodalite.
Video of Tenebrescent Sodalite (Hackmanite) and Tugtupite
Tenebrescence is when minerals change color when exposed to sunlight, also known as reversible photochromism.
Building Your Own Transilluminators - DIY
Rough instructions on how to upgrade your own transilluminator
Transilluminators - Overview
A "transilluminator" typically has 15W MW bulbs installed (312/302nm). Some have 6 bulbs, some have 4. So far, almost every unit I have come across has Hoya U325c glass (SW glass).
Ballasts to drive fluorescent bulbs/tubes
Our UV lights are mostly based on fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs require a special ballast to operate. We always recommend Fulham ballasts.