Fluorescence

Fluorescence is one of two kinds of photoluminescence, the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. When exposed to ultraviolet radiation, many substances will glow (fluoresce) with colored visible light. The color of the light emitted depends on the chemical composition of the substance.

Fluorescent materials generally cease to glow nearly immediately when the radiation source stops.
This distinguishes them from the other type of light emission, phosphorescence.
Phosphorescent materials continue to emit light for some time after the radiation stops.

Back to Field Testing & Optics →

Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5

ROCKHOUNDRY

Read the stone — minerals, crystals, and the rockhound's field craft.

Get new guides by emailOccasional emails. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

InformationAbout Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Affiliate Disclosure Cookie Policy

Museum entries, images, and facts are drawn from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, used under public-domain and Creative Commons licenses.