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What Stone is Glow in the Dark?

Published in Geology 1 min read

There isn't a single stone that naturally glows in the dark. However, some minerals and rocks can phosphoresce, meaning they absorb light energy and then release it slowly, creating a glowing effect.

Phosphorescent Minerals:

  • Fluorite: This mineral comes in various colors and can exhibit a vibrant glow after being exposed to UV light.
  • Calcite: Some calcite varieties, especially those with manganese impurities, can phosphoresce with a pale blue or green color.
  • Sodalite: This blue mineral can emit a faint orange glow after being exposed to UV light.

Other Glowing Rocks:

  • Glow-in-the-dark rocks: These are actually artificial materials. They contain phosphorescent pigments that are mixed into resin or plastic to create decorative rocks.
  • Radioactive rocks: Some rocks contain naturally occurring radioactive elements, which can cause them to emit a faint glow. However, handling radioactive rocks is dangerous and should be avoided.

Remember, most "glow-in-the-dark" rocks are actually synthetic materials. True phosphorescent minerals are rare and require exposure to light to activate their glow.

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