|
Luminescence |
Count |
Description |
|
Cathodolumiescence |
1 |
Color generated under the bombardment of electrons in a
high vacuum environment. Used in geology to study minerals in thin
section, especially dolomite. Generally not observed or reported in
routine mineral analysis. This is the term used to describe the color
generated in television picture tubes (cathode ray tubes).
|
|
Fluorescent |
194 |
Defined as the absorption and re-emission of
electromagnetic radiation at a lower wavelength. A very useful property
that has may striking examples in the mineral kingdom where ultra-violet
radiation is re-emitted in the visible spectrum.
|
|
Highly Radioactive |
3 |
Minerals containing uranium and/or thorium elements in
high concentrations that emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. The
principle hazard to mineral collectors is the radon gas released into the
atmosphere in a closed cabinet.
|
|
Non-fluorescent |
597 |
No visible fluorescence observed under a black light
(source of ultra-violet radiation).
|
|
None |
310 |
No luminescence observed.
|
|
Phosphorescent |
19 |
After- glow of visible light emitted by the mineral when
it is stimulated by ultra-violet light and observed alone in a dark place.
|
|
Piezoelectric |
8 |
Mechanico-electrical effect observed in minerals that
lack a center of symmetry element in the crystallographic parameters. See
table in crystallography section to identify those crystal systems.
|
|
Radioactive |
12 |
Minerals containing uranium and/or thorium elements in
moderate to low concentrations that emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
|
|
Sometimes Fluorescent |
4 |
Minerals that are not normally fluorescent but because
of impurities can be fluorescent.
|
|
Triboluminescent |
3 |
Emission of light due to mechanical stress on the
crystal lattice. Commonly observed in WintOGreen Lifesavers when crushed
in the mouth.
|
|
Weakly Fluorescent |
5 |
Minerals that exhibit very weak fluorescence under the
ultra-violet light.
|
