California fluorescent minerals
The specimens shown at right are hanksite from Searles Lake, San Bernardino Co., California. These crystals form as the water within the lake evaporates. Exposure to water or high humidity can cause the crystals to degrade. To maintain the crystals, it is recommended that the surface be rubbed with mineral oil occasionally. They are a translucent grey to yellow-green color under normal lighting conditions (depending on type of light - ie: sun, incandescent, or fluorescent). The specimens will fluoresce a light blue to greenish-grey under long wave fluorescent light. There is no fluorescent response, to speak of, under short wave ultraviolet light.
Regular lighting
Regular lighting
Long wave ultraviolet light
Long wave ultraviolet light
No short wave image available
No short wave image available