Orange Fluorescent Willemite (beta Willemite) - Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, NJ
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4269391 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
| Franklin Mineral Museum: Mineral crystals species |
Here is one of the rare fluorescent colors of willemite from the Franklin-Sterling mining district. For years, this color of the willemite has been called "beta" willemite. However the most recent examination of such a "beta" form has been discredited. More information can be gleaned here mindat.org/min-26781. Named by Arthur Schleede and Arno Gruhl in 1923 for a supposed second structural (metastable) state of willemite, a claim that was many years in verification. Taylor (1962) sugge...sted that the mineral beta-willemite has essentially the same structure as willemite, but does show some structural abnormalities which still have not been well-defined. Beta-willemite does show anomalous yellow, rather than green, fluorescence in ultraviolet light and the implication is that the difference in the ultraviolet luminescence is related to subtle, but consistent, structural differences. This piece stands out a bit more than usual as there are several well formed micro crystals. Regardless, this is a rare fluorescent color for willemite the only rarer color would be blue fluorescent willemite. The specimen has abundant micro-crystals of willemite the majority of which is stained a reddish color and it is quite apparent from the many glittering sparkles the specimen gives off. Close examination will reveal there are white to colorless crystals of willemite scattered throughout the matrix as well. There is much earthy red hematite staining throughout the specimen. There are a few relic, dull to sub-metallic grains of black to dark gray franklinite on the front surface of the specimen. The willemite does fluoresce a weak orange under shortwave (254nm) and midwave (302nm) ultraviolet light and hardly at all under longwave (365nm) ultraviolet light. This is unusual as "beta" willemite does fluoresce brightly under longwave ultraviolet light. Nonetheless, this is a profusely rich specimen of a rare fluorescent color willemite. The specimen does require a prop to display optimally.Dimensions are 7.6x6.6x5.3cm - 3x2½x2in Please note the centimeter cube and inch bar for scale.From the Sterling Mine, Ogdensburg, NJ.The previous collection this specimen was in is #162, the late John Buczinsky#162 is the museum's Collection Sale number previously offered in the museum shop.>>> We do COMBINED SHIPPING for multiple items. To request an invoice from us that combines shipping ALWAYS click the Add to cart button in eBay to add items until you are done. DO NOT PROCEED to checkout, rather go click the Request Total from Seller button. <<< === There is an instructional video on how to request combined shipping is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvDe7Fg7R4Q === All potential buyers need to be aware of the fact being able to view fluorescent minerals requires an ultraviolet light. Most of the minerals from the Franklin and Sterling Hill zinc mining district fluoresce under shortwave ultraviolet light. The shortwave wavelength is 254nm or otherwise known as UV C. Always read the description carefully to determine if the main mineral of interest for a particular specimen will fluoresce. There are several available brands and models of ultraviolet lights on eBay and other online sources. For further information on ultraviolet light and fluorescent minerals, copy and paste and go to >>> geology.com/articles/fluorescent-minerals.>>>> We Buy Collections <<<<DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort was made to accurately identify the mineral specie(s) noted in each specimen. The occasional label from previous collection(s) may misidentify some species and the current title and description here reflects the latest mineral specie(s) identification. A modest effort was made to depict a fluorescent specimen accurately as possible, but some overexposure should be expected in some photographs to compensate for a weak response of a fluorescent specimen.--- All photographs appearing on this listing or any other Franklin Mineral Museum listing are the property of the Franklin Mineral Museum. Photographs can be used strictly for personal use only. Otherwise the photographs posted here are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded or reproduced for public use or distribution in any way without the written permission of the Franklin Mineral Museum. ---
