Fluorescent Mineral Kit - Longwave and Shortwave

Learn about fluorescence the fun way - by viewing rocks!

This fluorescent science experiment kit comes with six 1.5"-2" mineral specimens that fluoresce under the black light flashlight that's included. The whole family will be fascinated by these minerals that change color under ultraviolet light! 

This set comes with a 51-page booklet that explains fluorescence and includes information on fluorescent mineral identification. The additional instruction guide includes four projects and other activities with the black light. You provide some household items for the activities.

Note: UV light is the part of sunlight that causes sunburns. Never look directly at UV bulbs and wear UV filtering goggles if using for extended periods.

More examples of fluorescence in nature:

• Jellyfish Aequorea Victoria contain a green fluorescent protein (gfp) that cause them to fluoresce green when exposed to light 
• Some marine creatures, like ostracods, emit blue light when the chemicals they release react together in water

A Sample from the Additional Instruction Guide (click on the link below to see more!):

"Fluorescence occurs when an object absorbs energy (usually ultraviolet light) and then emits energy at a larger wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, usually as visible light. Fluorescent minerals, like the ones in this fluorescent experiment kit, absorb UV and emit visible light. How do fluorescent light bulbs work? The electric energy flowing through the bulb causes atoms inside the bulb to get “excited,” and as they collide with each other, light energy is given off. This energy is in the form of ultraviolet light, so people can’t see it. But the bulb is coated inside with phosphor, which absorbs the UV light and then emits visible light. UV lamps work similarly, except they have dark purple filters that block most of the visible light and let UV through. Shortwave UV can’t travel through glass very well, so special shortwave lamps have to use very specific types of glass and are thus more expensive."

Fluorescent Mineral Kit

• 6 fluorescent mineral specimens
• UV light
• 4 AA batteries
• The Story of Fluorescence booklet