Book Description
This book takes a broad look at the hobby of mineral fluorescence. It offers discussions of the major fluorescent minerals and mineral groups, techniques for collection them either on field trips or through trade and purchase, and the many ways fluorescent minerals can be displayed and enjoyed in the home. Fluorescent minerals present a puzzle. Many are of quite ordinary appearance in daylight, but when placed under the invisible rays of an ultraviolet lamp in a darkened room, they suddenly glow in beautiful colors. The transformation is so marked and so mysteriously compelling that many people instantly wish to learn more about it. This book provides information on the nature of ultraviolet light, how it causes fluorescence in a wide range of minerals, and how hobbyists can extract years of pleasure learning about them.
From the Publisher
This book has been prepared to meet the often-expressed need for a broad and accurate introduction to the fluorescent-mineral hobby. The subject matter is intended to complement, rather than duplicate other recent texts on mineral fluorescence and differs from them chiefly in offering information not only on the minerals themselves but also on the nature of ultraviolet light, the lamps used to produce it, and useful techniques for collecting, learning about, and displaying fluorescent minerals. The agents that cause minerals to fluoresce and those that act to prevent it are explained as well. Some of this information has never before been presented in non-technical fashion and thus may be of interest not only to beginning hobbyists (our intended audience), but also to more advanced collectors.
See all Editorial Reviews