[meteorite-list] Ultraviolet Space Rocks

From: David Gunning <davidgunning_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2010 08:13:19 -0400 (EDT)
Message-ID: <1408.69.50.53.154.1286107999.squirrel_at_webmail.fairpoint.net>

Hi Laurence Garvie,

Thanks for filling-in some of the missing pieces of the minor puzzle
concerning your fascinating "Rocks from Space Picture" dated September
29, 2009.

Trace amounts of manganese (Mn) may certainly play a contributing if not
dominant role in explain the yellow colored fluorescence, as I understand
these things. That may not be, however, the entire story. According to
author Manual Robbins (FLUORESCENCE: Gems and Minerals Under Ultraviolet
light, 1994, Geoscience Press, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona), there may be some
sort of structural defect within the crystal structure, itself, which may
and can play a role in contributing to the fluorescence, also.

Wollastonite, from Franklin, New Jersey, fluoresces a brilliant yellow
color due to trace amounts of Mn, less than 0.1 percent. Lead, also, may
act as a co-activator in the wollasonite helping to provide absorption of
ultraviolet, according to Robbins.

Concerning your picture, again, for a moment. I'm curious if you exposed
your space rock to the two other main wavelengths of ultraviolet, UVB, or
medium wave at 315nm-280nm, or UVC shortwave at 280nm-100nm?

Still scratching my noggin over those secondary blue/green UV colors that
appear in your fascinating picture.

Any additional thoughts that might help explain that apparent UV color
phenomena?

Thanks for your time.

Dave Gunning
Received on Sun 03 Oct 2010 08:13:19 AM PDT