Ultraviolet Light and Fluorescent Minerals: Understanding, Collecting and Displaying Fluorescent Minerals

This book takes a broad look at the hobby of mineral fluorescence. It offers discussions of the major fluorescent minerals and mineral groups, techniques for collection them either on field trips or through trade and purchase, and the many ways fluorescent minerals can be displayed and enjoyed in the home. Fluorescent minerals present a puzzle. Many are of quite ordinary appearance in daylight, but when placed under the invisible rays of an ultraviolet lamp in a darkened room, they suddenly glow in beautiful colors. The transformation is so marked and so mysteriously compelling that many people instantly wish to learn more about it. This book provides information on the nature of ultraviolet light, how it causes fluorescence in a wide range of minerals, and how hobbyists can extract years of pleasure learning about them.

When Thomas Warren founded the Ultra-Violet Products Company, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was being swept into office for the first time. That was 1932, and Tom was busy with research that led to the invention of the handheld ultraviolet lamp - the technological tool which created our fluorescent-mineral hobby. It was Thomas Warren who guided the ultraviolet-lamp industry through its first major crisis - World War II. When war broke out the U.S. government slapped a moratorium on civilian use of steel and copper, two key components of ultraviolet lamps. Not easily discouraged, Tom went to Washington where he was able to negotiate a deal with the government to keep producing lamps for mineral prospecting, especially for scheelite, the main ore of tungsten. This agreement enabled the United States to become self-sufficient in the mining of tungsten, a crucial ingredient used to harden steel. Over the years, Tom has remained committed to sharing his passion for and knowledge of fluorescent minerals. He has helped organize and has participated in hundreds of mineral shows in the United States and in Europe. Through his lectures, he has opened the eyes of thousands to the enjoyment of fluorescent minerals. Today's mineral collectors and fluorescent-mineral hobbyists have acknowledged their debt to Tom, honoring him with numerous awards, including an annual award to be given in his name and honorary memberships in four mineral and gem societies.