Luminescence of monovalent Pb was firstly proposed for explanation of IR luminescence band peaking at 860 nm in emission spectrum of feldspars

The UV emission of feldspar at 290 nm is linked with the presence of Na and cracks-strain exsolution-twinning; at 340 nm with stress in Si—O bonds; the broad blue band (380-450nm) with [AlO4]o defects; at  560nm with Mn2+ point defects and at 720nm with iron in the lattice. 

Iron-rich feldspars: luminescence emissions at 560 nm and 750 nm come from point defects of Mn2+ and Fe3+ in feldspar lattices.  Furthermore, high amounts of these impurities (e.g. 0.3%) lower these light emissions. Dark and iron-rich samples emit weak luminescence signals.

The specified directory does not exist.

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  Sm²⁺,  Eu²⁺,  Ce³⁺,  Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Dy³⁺,  Er³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  Pr³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  Gd³⁺,  Yb³⁺,  Yb²⁺,  Tm³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Gd³⁺: 307,312nm
Tm³⁺: 364nm
Ce³⁺: 375-400
Tb³⁺: 383, 387, 389, 411, 415, 420, 436, 439, 443, 446nm (in Ca(I) position)
Tm³⁺: 452,703
Eu²⁺: 450-460 (in Ca(I) & Ca(II) position)

U: 467, 486, 505, 526, 550nm
Mn²⁺ (repl. Ca²⁺): 569nm (decaytime: 1,5ms)  (in Ca(I) & Ca(II) position &  adsorption on carbonate-fluor-apatite surface)

Mn³⁺: 583nm
Dy³⁺: narrow lines at 470, 475, 478, 481, 488,485, 570, 575, 580, 586, 579, 651, 656, 661, 664 nm (in Ca(I) position)
Sm³⁺: 560, 563, 565, 593, 595,599, 603, 604, 637, 639, 641, 646, 651, 695, 704, 710, 652 nm (in Ca(I) & Ca(II) position)
Ce³⁺: 543nm  (in Ca(I) & Ca(II) position) (decaytime: 20ns)
O₂ in channels: 687, 762nm
H₂O in channels: 719, 729, 817, 823, 829nm
MnO^3-₄ repl. PO^3-₄:, 1143, 1158nm
Eu³⁺: 573, 616, 631, 578, 608, 615, 627, 579, 590, 618, 653, 700nm (in Ca(I) position)
Sm²⁺: 689, 691, 695, 704, 708, 711, 716, 724, 726, 733, 736, 749,773, 774, 778, 798, 815nm
Nd³⁺: 862, 873, 880, 890, 893, 897,910, 1058, 1065, 1070nm (in Ca(I) position)
Yb³⁺: 993nm (Ca(II) position)
Pr³⁺:  (in Ca(I) position)
Er³⁺:  (in Ca(I) position)

Comments on spectra and activators:

The structure of the apatite is hexagonal, with the symmetry group P63/m.

There are two different sites for the Ca2+ in this structure: 40 % of Ca2+ ions are associated with the Ca(I) sites and 60 % are associated with Ca(II) sites.

The point group symmetry of the Ca(I) site is C3, with each Ca having six oxygen nearest neighbors that form a distorted triangular prism about the Ca2+ ion. The Ca(II) site has Cs symmetry with the Ca2+ ions sitting at the corners of equilateral triangles with an F ion in the center (see Gaft).

In nature, REE can easily substitute for Ca, becoming luminescence centers.

With steady-state luminescence spectroscopy, it was discovered that Eu2+, Ce3+, Mn2+, Dy3+, Nd3+, Sm3+ and Sm2+ mainly determine apatite luminescence. It was established that REE3+ have been detected only in the high symmetry Ca(I) position. (see Gaft)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Other activators:

Ce³⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : band around 525nm with peaks at 504, 522, 544nm

Mn²⁺ replacing Ca²⁺ : band peaking at 600-625nm

Ce³⁺ replacing Ca²⁺ : 343, 355, 365, 372nm

[VO4]^n- or [TiO4]^n- replacing [SiO4] : 500nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

A specimen from the Nadym River area fluoresces red due to manganese activator. From Mont Saint-Hilaire, crystals have been found that fluoresce intense blue like that of Fluorite under SW, MW, and LW (Jacques Poulin). Also Green luminescence due to U impurities in this locality (pics around 525 nm).

Two different Mn2+ luminescence centers have been found in steady-state spectra of apophyllite: in Ca position with orange luminescence peaking at 600 - 620 nm and in K position with green emission peaking at 500 nm (Tarashchan 1978 cited by Gaft).

Activator(s):

Eu²⁺,  

Other activators:

ST (Singlet-triplet)-Matière organique en impureté,  Sm²⁺,  Ce³⁺,  Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Dy³⁺,  Ho³⁺,  Er³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  Pr³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  Yb³⁺,  Tm³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Eu²⁺ repl. Ca²⁺: 423-425nm (associated with deep blue-violet fluorescence)
Sm²⁺ repl. Ca²⁺: 708, 733nm
Yb²⁺ repl. Ca²⁺: 550nm
Dy³⁺:468, 478, 575, 654, 658, 663, 671, 685nm
Tb³⁺:482, 484, 486, 492, 539, 543, 544, 546, 583, 588nm
Er³⁺:519, 522, 528, 551, 554nm
Sm³⁺:561nm
Eu³⁺: 574, 595, 618, 622, 700nm
Nd³⁺: 920nm
M-center(2F+Na⁺): large pic at 720-745 nm
M_A center charge stabilized by O²⁻–F⁻  : 690 nm 
M_A center charge stabilized by Na⁺–Ca²⁺ : 750nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Violet fluo associated with Eu²⁺ (420-423 nm) with peaks at 320 and 340nm (Ce³⁺),  decay time of Eu²⁺ is 600–800 ns
yellow fluo associated with Dy³⁺;
M-center: large pic at 720 nm;
Lifetime: 2μs ( @420nm);

λ_ex = 415 nm is most suitable for measuring the Ho³⁺ emission beside the Er³⁺. 

Fluorite was one of the first mineral substances being investigated by George G. Stokes in 1852, hence the name fluorescence given at the phenomenon.

Fluorite is a reservoir for many of the rare earth elements. As early as 1881, it was pointed out that Cerium was present in fluorite.

In 1906, Urbain studied the cathodoluminescence of fluorite and ascribed the cause of fluorescence to RRE (Yttrium, praeseodymium, samarium, dysprosium, europium, terbium and also gadolinium and Ytterbium in chlorophane); Morse (1907), Tanaka (1924), Nichols (1928) and F. G. Wick also investigated the cause of luminescence of fluorite. 

The fusion of fluorescent fluorite (1100-1200°C) changes the spectrum markedly. Often the blue luminescence spectrum is changed to a more orange-red, showing sharp lines typical of RRE.

De Ment makes 2 groups in the luminescent fluorites:

group 1: single band in the UV at 300nm and 3 bands in the visible at 475, 508 and 578nm
group 2: two bands in UV at 280 and 300nm and strong peaks at 475, 510, 536, 548 and 578nm in the visible.

Radiation induced M_A centers’ charge stabilized by Na⁺–Ca²⁺ is responsible of emission at 750nm and O²⁻–F⁻ at 690 nm) (Tarashchan 1978, Gaft and Al. 2020).

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Other activators:

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 549,5nm

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Cr³⁺,  Fe³⁺,  O^*,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ repl. Mg²⁺ : Broad band peaking at 627-660nm  (decay time: 29ms)

Cr³⁺ repl. Mg²⁺ (?) : 683, 693nm 

Fe³⁺ repl. Si⁴⁺ : 710nm  

O*_Si around SiO₄ : 420, 440nm 

O*_Al (Al³⁺ - Si⁴⁺ : 470nm 

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

400 nm, 463 nm, 490 nm, 527 nm,563 nm 

UO₂²⁺ : 500, 519, 542, 562nm (sample in collection)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 503, 523, 547, 571, 599nm

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

V²⁺,  Nd³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Nd³⁺ : 462, 476, 482, 501nm

Mn²⁺ : band peaking at 590nm (60nm half-width)

V²⁺ : 717nm 

The specified directory does not exist.

Activator(s):

Cr³⁺,  

Other activators:

Mn⁴⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  V²⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Broad band peaking at 611nm, peak at 489nm and 713nm (échantillon en collection)

Cr³⁺ : Lines at 690, 694, 698 and 707nm

Mn²⁺ substituting to Ca²⁺ : band around 590 -605 nm

Mn³⁺ : broad band at 653nm

Mn⁴⁺ : broad band at 670nm

V²⁺ : peak at 717 nm  (Gaft)

Comments on spectra and activators:

The color is identical to that of red-fluorescing ruby corundum or spinel. As with those minerals, chromium in place of aluminum is the likely activator. Other activator: V²⁺ (717 nm), Nd³⁺ (462, 476, 482,501 nm) and possibly Mn²⁺ band around 605-610 nm (decay time: several ms).

Natural grossular luminescence was studied by continuous wave (CW) luminescence technique and has been connected with Cr³⁺ centers, which substitutes for Al³⁺ and occupies a site with distorted octahedral symmetry (which in fact is trigonal C3i). Trivalent chromium in grossular occupies high crystal field position.

The luminescence spectra of Cr3+ in grossular at room temperature contain a strong broad band peaking at 720 nm and three sharp lines centered at 697, 700 and 701 nm.

Excitation by CW laser with 785 nm revealed IR luminescence lines which evidently may be ascribed to trivalent REE, such as Pr, Ho, Nd, Er and Yb (Gaft).

The specified directory does not exist.

Activator(s):

ST (Singlet-triplet)-Matière organique en impureté,  

Other activators:

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

ST  : 440-630nm 

494nm, 510nm, 544nm, 601nm (Hourglass figure, Canada)

 UO₂²⁺ : 469, 486, 507, 530, 554nm (sample from Morrocco)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Typical uranyl spectrum when green luminescence is present.
Greenish-white and bluish fluorescence most probably due to organic impurities.

The specified directory does not exist.

Activator(s):

S₂^-,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

S₂^-  : (566),(610), 625, 647, 664, (695), (723), (751nm)

Comments on spectra and activators:

O. Ivan Lee investigated what he calls the reversible photosensitivity of hackmanite from Bancroft (Ontario) and his response to different UV sources as early as 1936. He presented the phenomenon for the 50th Anniversary Celebration Banquet of the New York Mineralogical Club, in November 18, 1936 at the American Museum of Natural History. It seems that it was the first observation and the first public announcement and publication (American Mineralogist vol 21) about photochromism (tenebrescence) in mineralogy.

Chemical analyses revealed that the mineral contains a certain amount of sulfur as a substitute for chlorine in the crystal structure. The FTIR spectra of hackmanite showed that the samples contain water. The stretching vibration peak of water of crystallization (H₂O) occurs at 3438 cm^-1 and the bending peak is at 1623 cm^-1. Its tenebrescence is caused by hole color centers which are contributed to the presence of sulfur (S₂^-)) and to some negatively charged chlorine atoms being missing in the crystal structure of hackmanite. (source: http://www.geology.com.cn/Geology-Journals/article-35765.html)

Crystals of Hackmanite of Koksha Valley in Afghanistan are usually found in a matrix constituted by non-fluorescing Winchite and/or marble.

Synthetic sodalites containing sulfur and showing considerable photochromic activity have been investigated by ESR. The center responsible for the color has been shown to be an electron trapped at a chlorine vacancy. The origin of the electron which is reversibly transferred during the processes of coloration and bleaching is believed to be the ion S₂^-). (see William G. Hodgson, Jacob S. Brinen, and Emil F. Williams, Electron Spin Resonance Investigation of Photochromic Sodalites, The Journal of Chemical Physics 47, 3719 , 1967)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 508, 526, 549nm

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ repl. Na⁺ with Pb as co-activator : 590nm (band)

Mn²⁺ interstition : 630 nm (band)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Activator for red: Mn²⁺ with Pb²⁺ as co-activator.

Color : more orange or more red depending of Mn concentration.

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

UO₂²⁺ : 499, 519, 542, 565nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Typical spectrum of Uranyl Impurities

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Activator(s):

,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

490, 517, 553, 600, 650, 710nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

The luminescence of Hanksite was noticed by Kunz and Baskerville (1903) and has been studied by Melhase (1939).

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Pb²⁺,  Ce³⁺,  Dy³⁺,  Gd³⁺,  Tm³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Pb²⁺: 355nm
Ce³⁺: 378nm
Ce³⁺: 400nm
Mn²⁺: 525nm
Mn²⁺: 545nm
Mn²⁺: 575nm
Gd³⁺ : 312nm
Dy³⁺ : 480, 575nm
Tm³⁺ : 452nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Pb²⁺  : 355 nm 
Mn²⁺ :  525 and 575nm
Ce³⁺ : 378, 400 nm
Tm³⁺, Dy³⁺

Decay time: several ms

Activator(s):

Matière organique intrinsèque,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Very Broad Band centered around 550nm;

Activator(s):

S₂^-,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

S^2- repl.[SO₄]^2- : band centered around 680 nm with ondulations at: 516, 563, 580, 604, 621, 644, 666, 691, 715, 745nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Form of the spectrum: typical wavelet of S^2- upon a large band.

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 522, 541, 563, 591nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 495.0, 505.8, 528.4, 551.4, 577.7, 604.6nm

Activator(s):

,  

Other activators:

Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ : Broad band peaking at 600nm (70nm half-width) ;

peaks at 501nm and 711 nm ;

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

UO₂²⁺ : 503, 524, 547, 570, 600nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Typical spectrum of Uranyl impurities.

Activator(s):

,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Broad band with events at: 530, 568, 601, 650nm

Activator(s):

ST (Singlet-triplet)-Matière organique en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

490nm, 512nm, 552nm, 596nm

The specified directory does not exist.

Activator(s):

Pb²⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Pb²⁺ replacing Zn²⁺ in octahedral coordination (Gaft): Broad band  peaking at +/- 430-450 nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Lifetime: 1μs

Activator(s):

Matière organique intrinsèque,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Peaks at: 454nm, 482nm, 512nm, 544nm, 597nm ;

Comments on spectra and activators:

Blue luminescence due to the two linearly annelated benzene rings characteristic of aromatic compound (singlet-singlet electron transition within the benzene rings.Spectral lines (cm^-1): 250, 235, 222, 208;

Activator(s):

Matière organique intrinsèque,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

520nm, 554nm, 592nm

The specified directory does not exist.

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

501.3, 525.8, 548.5, 578.0 +/-3nm

Source: Frankland, V.L., Milodowski, A.E., Read, D., Laser-Based Characterisation of the Copper Uranyl Sulphate, Johannite, Minerals 2022, 12, 1419. https:// doi.org/10.3390/min12111419

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 519, 535nm

Activator(s):

Matière organique intrinsèque,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

large band. max: 460nm, band at 572 nm / peaks at: 408nm, 434nm, 460nm, 488nm, 512nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Organic compound formed in burning pyritic shale or coal fires. It is not clear whether kratochvillite is the chemical fluorene (C₁₃H₁₀) or anthracene (C₁₄H₁₀).

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Cr³⁺,  TiO₆,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Large band at 430 nm,

Mn²⁺ : large band peaking around 620 nm  (Gorobets)  

large band peaking at 605nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

The phosphorescence of Kunzite was discovered by G. F. Kunz himself in 1903. Baskerville also studyed Kunzite luminescence in 1903. Extended studies were later made on the spectra of Kunzite by Pochettino and by Nichols who found that the fluorescence emitted light was polarized. Nichols also describe the fluorescence emitted by electron excitation as two bands : a strong broad band  from 515nm to 690nm and a weak one extending from 420nm to 480nm. He also pointed that the band around 600nm have a strong phosphorescence and the other band have none. Nichols studied the thermoluminescence at 325°C and found that it was not polarized. The thermoluminescence ceased at 400°C.

At 20°C the peak around 590nm is nearly symetric being somewhat steeper toward the violet. On cooling to -180°C, the fluorescence color  becomes much redder to the eye but the spectrum show no resolution into narrow bands (DeMent 1949)

Tanaka (1921-1932) demonstrated that the most important activating agents wich cause the luminescence of Kunzite is Manganese. However, he stated that Samarium and Ytterbium had a role as activator. In the Kunzite from Pala, Ca, USA, containing a few tenths of a percent of manganese, he found in the bright orange light emitted by fluorescence 12 manganese bands,  4 samarium bands and one thallium band. 

Activator(s):

Ce³⁺,  

Other activators:

Eu²⁺,  Sm³⁺,  Dy³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  Nd³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

 Ce³⁺ repl. Ca²⁺ : 375, 411, 450nm 
 Eu²⁺ : 466-470nm 
 Tb³⁺ : 546nm
 Sm³⁺: 607nm 
 Dy³⁺: 475, 488, 576nm
 Nd³⁺: 885, 1060nm 
 Mn²⁺: 610nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Activators: a combinaison of RE elements - for exemple Ce³⁺ substituting to Ca (blue luminescence) and Mn (red luminescence) giving the magenta color (an orange flash typical of Mn(?) is seen on some samples).
Activators: Ce ³⁺, Eu ²⁺, Sm ³⁺, Dy ³⁺, Tb ³⁺, Nd ³⁺, Mn²⁺ substituting to Ca²⁺ (Gorobets in Gaft);

Cathodoluminescence: intense light-blue.

The application of multiple forms of excitation (Friis et al. 2011) revealed that the UV-Blue emission in leucophanite and meliphanite consists of more than one emission center and is therefore more complex than previously thought. The most likely centers are defects related to the structure, e.g. in connection with the tetrahedral sites, and a Ce3+ centre. The difference in Na/Ca ratio between the two minerals make it possible for REE to substitute into two sites in meliphanite contrary, to just one in leucophanite. (Gaft)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 464.3 (SW only), 469.3 (LW only), 482.8, 503.3, 524.8, 548.5, 574.8, 604.6, 638.5

Comments on spectra and activators:

Peak at 464.3 is SW only;

In shortwave, peaks at 482.8 and 503.3 have approximately the same height giving a bluer apparence to the fluorescence color (estimated RGB color: 65, 255, 132).

In Longwave, the peak at 503.3 dominates all other peaks giving a green fluorescence color (estimated RGB color: 65, 255, 100).

Activator(s):

,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

490nm, 514nm, 550nm, 600nm, 660nm

Activator(s):

TiO₆,  

Other activators:

Sm³⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  Nd³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

TiO₆? : band peaking at 550 nm

Mn²⁺ : shoulder at +/- 630 nm (Gorobets)

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Broad band peaking at 620nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

505, 526, 550; 575, 615

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

491.3, 501.8, 522.9, 546.9, 572.2, 591.7nm

or

488, 501.6, 523.7, 547.2, 573.3, 600.2nm

 or

503nm, 524nm, 547nm, 572nm, 600nm, 631nm (échantillon en collection)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 492.4, 505.7, 527.9 (527), 551.4, 576.9 (575), 606.1 (603)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 503nm, 524nm, 548nm, 573nm, 601nm

Activator(s):

Fe³⁺,  

Other activators:

Eu²⁺,  Ce³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Ce³⁺: broad band peaking at 335nm
Eu³⁺: broad band peaking at 402
Eu²⁺: 395nm
Fe³⁺ repl. Al³⁺ or Si⁴⁺: band peaking at 700nm
Pb⁺ repl. K⁺: 900nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Red fluorescence due to trivalent iron Fe³⁺.
Blue fluorescence due to Ce³⁺ and Eu³⁺ (Gaft)

Cathodoluminescence: blue.

Activator(s):

,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(492nm), 522nm, 557nm, 593nm, (643nm)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Other activators:

Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 506, 523 nm

Laser induced luminescence lines corresponding to Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, Nd³⁺:

Sm³⁺ : lines at 607, 617, 642nm

Nd³⁺ : weak lines at 792, 800, 806, strong lines at 863, 872, 877, 887, 897, 907nm

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Broad band peaking at 643nm, wave at 710nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

The frequent occurrence of slight amounts of Strontium in aragonite was known during the time of Becquerel and he ascribed the luminescence to the presence of strontium. Later, Nichols confirmed the idea. Hence the name strontioaragonite for some specimen of very bright red fluorescing aragonite. 

Actually, strontium is not considered anymore as the activator responsable for the red fluorescence of aragonite and  Mn²⁺ is considered as the principal activator of this red fluorescence.

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 488, 504 , 523-524, 545-546, 566, 593-594nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Green luminescence due to Uranium in traces (typical spectrum of uranyl).

Gunnel (1939) has studied the luminescence of natrolite from Oberschaffhauser, Germany (yellowish-white LW). Probably published in The Mineralogist at this time.

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Broad band around 532nm, probably the sum of two peaks at 523nm and 537nm

Activator(s):

,  

Other activators:

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Very broad band with local max at 490, 517, 558, 600nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Broad band around 548nm, probably the sum of two peaks at 538nm, 550nm, 569nm and 609nm

Activator(s):

Fe³⁺,  

Other activators:

Pb²⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Pb²⁺ : broad band peaking at 296nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

UO₂²⁺ : 504nm, 524nm, 547nm, 569nm, 601nm (opale Nevada, USA)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Green luminescence related to uranium impurities.
Georges O. Wild from Idar Oberstein in Germany found as early as 1947 that the greenish yellow fluorescence of opal from Virgin Valley, Nevada was due to uranium traces and being identical of the fluorescence of the synthetic gemstone Emerada (synthetic spinel).
Wild cites  a weak band  at 600 to 605nm, strong band at 570 to 578nm, strong band at 545 to 550nm, medium band at 522 to 527nm and weak band at 500 to 503nm.
Before Wild, DeMent has already studied the spectrum of opal s luminescence before Wild but not as precisely.

Activator(s):

Matière organique intrinsèque,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Broad band centered around 607nm with curve change at 525nm, 567nm, 607nm and 649nm

Activator(s):

,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Large band centered around 477nm with evants at 450nm, 477nm, 507nm, 551nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Intrinsic luminescence similar to Benitoite.

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Cr³⁺,  Fe³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ replacing Ca²⁺ : 580 - 590 - 610nm ( Paterson NJ, USA sample, exc. 532nm)

Fe³⁺ : 722nm (Asbestos Canada sample, exc. 532nm)

Nd³⁺ : 867, 877, 881, 890, 918nm (Mt St Hilaire Canada sample, exc. 780nm)

OH : 652nm (Diako, Sandare District, Mali sample, very sharp peak, exc. 532nm) (Gaft)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Activator: probably Mn²⁺ substituting to Ca²⁺ (see Gorobets)

Activator(s):

Cr³⁺,  

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 467, 500, 517, 537, 560, 590, 660nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Typical spectrum of green luminescence due to uranium impurities;

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Broad band max at 540nm 

(UO₂)²⁺ : 500, 522, 546, 570, 601nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

 Gorobets: broad band at room temperature max at 540 nm, 100x brighter in N liquid;

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 521, 541, 560, 584nm

Activator(s):

Fe³⁺,  

Other activators:

Pb²⁺,  Cr³⁺,  Eu²⁺,  Ce³⁺,  Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  Tl⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Tl⁺ repl. Na⁺ : 287nm  : 321-325 347 (Ce³⁺),
Eu²⁺ : 405-412nm
Mn²⁺ repl.Ca²⁺ : broad bands peaking at 555-570nm
Fe³⁺ repl. [Al³⁺]_IV : broad band at 700-750-780nm
Sm³⁺  : 560, 600, 645, 805nm
Eu³⁺ : 600-615nm   
Tb³⁺  : 580, 620nm
Cr³⁺ repl. [Al³⁺]_IV (?): 680, 683nm
Pb⁺ repl. Na⁺ : 850nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Activators: Tl⁺, Pb⁺, Pb²⁺, REE³⁺ (Ce, Dy, Sm, Tb, Nd), Eu²⁺, Mn²⁺ (delay time: 10-12ms), Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺ (Tarashchan in Gaft)

Activator(s):

,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

526nm, 556,5nm, 598nm

The specified directory does not exist.

Activator(s):

MoO₄^2-,  

Other activators:

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  Er³⁺,  Pr³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

MoO₄^2- : Broad band peaking at 530 - 550 nm (Gorobets)

(Lifetime: 30 μs)

UO₂²⁺ : 650nm (uranyl complexes substituting to molybdenum (Panczer et al.))

Nd³⁺ : 810, 870nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

The natural photoluminescence emission of ordered CaMoO₄ is attributed to an intrinsic slight distortion of the [MoO₄] tetrahedral goup.

The decay time is 200 μs .

Under 532 nm cw excitation the luminescence of Pr³⁺, Er³⁺, Nd³⁺ as well as [UO₂]²⁺ were revealed in powellite found associated with pitchblende and molybdenite in South Kazakhstan (Bota-Burum Mo-U deposits). (Gaft)

Activator(s):

Pb²⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Pb²⁺ : 356nm (exc. 266nm, t = 300ns)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Jeffrey Mine: bluish fluorescence under long wave UV illumination, plus orange-fluorescing coating by an unknown mineral (see picture above)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Other activators:

Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Dy³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

 Dy³⁺ : 479, 577nm

 Tb³⁺ : 546nm

 Sm³⁺ : 601nm

 Nd³⁺ : 806, 867, 876, 880 - 881, 891, 1060nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Steady-state luminescence spectra of pyrochlore revealed emission of REE, such as trivalent Dy and Nd (Gorobets and Rogojine 2001).

Activator(s):

Eu³⁺,  

Other activators:

Pb²⁺,  Ce³⁺,  Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  O^-₂,  VO₄^3-,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(VO4)^3- : Broad band peaking at 580nm

Ce³⁺ : 350, 375nm

Eu³⁺ : 580, 594, 611, 613, 615, 620, 622, 700nm

Sm³⁺ : 566, 603, 652nm

Nd³⁺ : 858, 889nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Luminescence centers O₂^-  (Tarashchan 1978) and evidently (VO₄)^3- (Gaft 1984) characterize steady-state spectra of pyromorphite.

Laser-induced time-resolved technique enables to detect Ce³⁺, Eu³⁺, Sm³⁺ and Tb³⁺ emission centers and possibly Pb²⁺.

Excitation by CW laser with 532 and 780 nm revealed narrow luminescence lines possibly belonging to trivalent REE (Nd, Eu, Sm) and two luminescence bands peaking at 625 and 675 nm (sample from Les Farges, France, unknown activator).

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Other activators:

ST (Singlet-triplet)-Matière organique en impureté,  Fe³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Fe³⁺ : 680 nm (Gorobets)

Oil inclusions : 437, 489, 512, 546, 601nm

Quartz from La Sassa, Italy: 500, 520, 555, 595, 666nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Cathodoluminescence: blue or yellow.

Activator(s):

Matière organique intrinsèque,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

395, 408, 433, 459, 486nm

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Nd³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ : Large band peaking at 642-647nm (100nm half-width)

Mn²⁺ : large band peaking at 695nm 

Nd³⁺ : 820, 880, 895nm 

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Cr³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ sustituting to Ca²⁺ : Broad band peaking at 635 nm 

Cr³⁺ replacing Al³⁺ : line at 694 nm, band at 720nm , 690, 703, 733nm

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ : band peaking at 625nm (100nm half-width)

Activator(s):

Cr³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Cr³⁺ replacing Al³⁺ : Lines at 692.8 (693), 694.3nm  (sharp R₁ and R₂ lines)

Cr³⁺ :  658.2 , 668.2 ,  674.1 , 680 (small lines)  

N-lines (Cr³⁺ pairs) : 705.8 , 712nm (small lines)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Activator: Cr³⁺ replacing Al³⁺ giving strong well known 2E->4A2 lines with long decay time;

Besides that, much weaker narrow lines present, which are connected with Cr-pairs and more complicated complexes (so called N-lines) (Tarashchan 1978).

Lifetime of the R-line: 3,6ms;

The specified directory does not exist.

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 491.4, 506.4, 527.6, 550.7, 576.1, 604.8 /

                (484nm), 503nm, 523nm, 547nm, 572nm, 601nm, 631nm (?)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

[ 489.0 , 501.1 , 522.1 , 545.7 , 570.9 , 600.9 (Geipel) ]

[498nm, 519nm, 542nm, 567nm, 595nm (Sample in collection)]

Activator(s):

Fe³⁺,  

Other activators:

Pb²⁺,   S₂^-,  Eu²⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  O^-₂,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Fe³⁺? : band at 710 - 720nm

Mn²⁺ : broad band at 630 - 690nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Red fluorescence: Fe³⁺? (band at 710 - 720nm)  Mn²⁺ (broad band at 630 - 690nm)

Blue fluorescence: Pb²⁺ (Langban, Sweden) 

A recent find of colorless scapolite in Badakhshan ( Afghanistan) turns to a blue color when exposed to UVSW.

Activator(s):

WO₄^2-,  

Other activators:

Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Dy³⁺,  Ho³⁺,  Er³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  Pr³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  Yb³⁺,  Tm³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

WO₄^2-: Broad band centered at 425 - 435nm  (Lifetime: 9μs @ 405nm)
Tb³⁺: 439nm
Dy³⁺: 488, 575nm
Sm³⁺: 609, 647nm
Pr³⁺: 607nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Scheelite is characterized by broad luminescent bands centered at 425 - 435 nm (blue emission) of intrinsic activator (WO₄)^2- groups and impurity (MoO₄)^2- groups.

 Those broad bands are attributed to an intrinsic slight distortion of the [WO₄]/ [MoO₄] tetrahedral group. [WO₄] lifetime: 9μs (@ 405nm).

Such strong bands prevent in many cases the detection of lines of rare-earth elements, especially Tm, Er and Ho, which have weak luminescence in the corresponding spectral range.

Yet, scheelite incorporates often tens to thousands of ppm RRE in substitution for Ca giving sometimes typical peaks in the fluorescence spectrum. Visible peaks in relation with the presence of REE: 488 et 575 (Dy³⁺), 609 et 647 (Sm³⁺), 439 (Tb³⁺) et 607 (Pr³⁺). But the lines of certain REE may be hidden by stronger luminescence of others REE. For example, the luminescence of Pr3+ is difficult to detect because its radiative transitions are hidden by the lines of Sm3+, Dy3+ and Nd3+, the luminescence of Tm3+ is concealed by Tb3+ and so on.

The pegmatitic and hydrothermel scheelite  shows the lines of Erbium and Terbium, while scheelite occurrences related to eruptive complex and sulfide ore shows dominantly the lines of the REE of the Cerium group.

Under cw laser excitation at 532 several narrow lines have been found in red and IR part of the spectrum connected with Nd³⁺ and possibly Sm³⁺ centers.

Green emission due to (MoO₄)^2-(Tarashchan) or possibly Pb (Blasse).

The color of the fluorescence of scheelite gives an idea of the unwilled presence of molybdenium in the ore. Concentrate of scheelite not penalized for molybdenium have a distinct blue fluorescence color. Those that fluoresce white are borderline  and contain roughly 0,35% to 1% of Mo. And scheelite that fluoresces distinctly yellow contains more than 1% corresponding to a transition to powellite. Higher than 4,8%, the yellow fluorescence color stays unchanged and cannot anymore be used as an indication of the percentage of Mo. Using this property, a method was  developped by R.S. Canon jr. (1942) while studying tungsten deposits in the seven Devils mining district of Idaho. A serie of finely powdered synthetic preparation or natural ore of known composition are permanently mounted in circular areas on a black card, being placed in order of increasing molybdenium content. There are twelve standard values on the card: 0,05, 0,19, 0,33, 0,48, 0,72, 0,96, 1,4, 2,4, 3,4, and 4,8% plus a pure calcium molybdate (48% Mo). Alternating with the covered circle are circular holes of the same size. The card is used by placing a hole over a powdered sample of the scheelite ore to be tested and comparing the fluorescence color of the sample with those of the adjacent standards. The sample will be found to have a fluorescence color according or between two standards and hence the approximate composition could be defined.

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

465nm, 483nm, 504nm, 526nm, 550nm, 577nm, 608nm, 641nm, 676nm, 713nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Lifetime: 125μs @505nm;

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : (503nm), 522nm, 546nm, (597nm)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Nature of the sample to be verified.

Activator(s):

S₂^-,  

Other activators:

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  Fe³⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

S^2- : 587, 608, 628, 653, 677, 707, 732nm

Fe³⁺? repl. Al³⁺ : 687-720nm 

(UO₂)²⁺ : 495, 515, 537nm

Mn²⁺ repl. Na⁺ : 650nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Some time Green Luminescence due to uranium impurities;

Cathodoluminescence: intensive greenish-blue or yellow-green or orange.

The research history of the yellow-orange luminescence of sodalite was well presented by Sidike et al (2007).

It may be summarized that published data on the yellow-orange luminescence spectra of sodalite was ascribed to S₂^-  which was confirmed by the study of synthetic analogs activated by sulfur. Nevertheless, Sidike et al. (2007) noted that the peak wavelengths in the yellow orange band reported by many investigators for sodalite and ascribed to S₂^-do not

agree. It was never reported by single author on several types of S2-  luminescence spectra from the same deposit, which may be explained by different chemical composition and impurities, but different spectra were ascribed to the S₂^- luminescence center in sodalite samples from the same deposit. The values for luminescence maxima were reported to range from 630 nm to 708 nm. A similar situation takes place in scapolite, where the peak wavelengths of S₂^- emission bands reported by different authors do not agree (Sidike et al. 2008). It was proposed that the main reason for these discrepancies is probably the unsuitable correction of the measured spectra. Nevertheless, it is difficult to assume that such strong discrepancies may be explained only by the absence of proper calibration. A possible explanation for the differences between published spectra may be the presence of several different S₂^-  centers, or the presence of the luminescence centers with vibrational structure of other types. (Gaft)

The crystal structure of sodalite is an ordered framework of linked AlO₄ and SiO₄ tetrahedra in which Si and Al alternate on the tetrahedral sites. The overall linkage of (Al,Si)O₄ tetrahedra results in cubo-octahedral cavities, which contain a centrally placed anion coordinated tetrahedrally to four cations. The flexibility of the sodalite structure allows a wide range of cations and anions with potential luminescence ability to be substituted into it. Thus, many impurities with potential luminescence ability besides S₂^-  may be present in the sodalite structure, such as Fe³⁺ in Al and Si positions, Mn²⁺ in Na or Be positions, Pb²⁺ or Tl⁺ in the Na position and so on. (Gaft)

By Laser-induced time-resolved technique Gaft was able to detect two Fe³⁺ or Cr³⁺ (broad band at 687 - 700 & 725 nm), possibly Pb²⁺ (broad band at 440nm), Eu²⁺ (band at 405nm), Ce³⁺ ( band at 340nm) and S₂^- (broad band at 600 - 620 - 653 - 655nm with weak vibrational structure)  emission centers (Gaft)

The photoluminescence and excitation spectra of sodalites from Greenland, Canada and Xinjiang (China) are observed at 300 and 10 K in detail. The features of the emission and excitation spectra of the orange-yellow fluorescence of these sodalites are independent of the locality. The emission spectra at 300 and 10 K consist of a broad band with a series of peaks and a maximum peak at 648 and 645.9 nm, respectively. The excitation spectra obtained by monitoring the orange-yellow fluorescence at 300 and 10 K consist of a main band with a peak at 392 nm. The luminescence efficiency of the heat-treated sodalite from Xinjiang is about seven times as high as that of untreated natural sodalite. The emission spectrum of the S2 − center in sodalite at 10 K consists of a band with a clearly resolved structure with a series of maxima spaced about 560 cm−1 (20–25 nm) apart. Each narrow band at 10 K shows a fine structure consisting of a small peak due to the stretching vibration of the isotopic species of 32S34S−, a main peak due to that of the isotopic species of 32S2 − and five peaks due to phonon sidebands of the main peak. (see Aierken Sidike, Alifu Sawuti, Xiang-Ming Wang, Heng-Jiang Zhu, S. Kobayashi, I. Kusachi, N. Yamashita, Fine structure in photoluminescence spectrum of S₂⁻ center in sodalite, Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, September 2007, Volume 34, Issue 7, pp 477–484 )

The emission and excitation spectra of yellow luminescence due to S₂⁻ in scapolites (from Canada and  from an unknown locality) were observed at 300, 80 and 10 K. Emission and excitation bands at 10 K showed vibronic structures with a series of maxima spaced 15–30 and 5–9 nm, respectively. The relative efficiency of yellow luminescence from scapolite #2 was increased up to 117 times by heat treatment at 1,000°C for 2 h in air. The enhancement of yellow luminescence by heat treatment was ascribed to the alteration of SO₃²⁻ and SO₄ ²⁻ to S₂ ⁻ in scapolite. (see Aierken Sidike, I. Kusachi, S. Kobayashi, K. Atobe, N. Yamashita, Photoluminescence spectra of S₂⁻ center in natural and heat-treated scapolites, Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, April 2008, Volume 35, Issue 3, pp 137–145 )

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 558, 572nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

502nm, 524nm, 548nm, 573nm, 601nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

523nm, 537nm

Activator(s):

Cr³⁺,  

Other activators:

Mn⁴⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Cr³⁺ : lines at 606, 627, 694, 707nm

Mn⁴⁺ ? : band around 650nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Laser excitation;

Activator(s):

Cr³⁺,  

Other activators:

Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Cr³⁺ : lines at 676 (675), 686 (685), 698 (697), 708 (707), 712, 718 (717) nm
Mn²⁺ : broad band peaking at 550-612 nm 

Comments on spectra and activators:

Activator: Cr³⁺ and possibly Mn²⁺ (broad band peaking at 612 nm or emissions bands with max from 550 to 620nm).

The fluorescence of spinel was studied as early as 1887 by De Boisbaudran who found a red glow in most specimens and some green fluorescence in a few.

Crookes plotted in 1887 the red fluorescence spectra of spinel and pointed out the particular sharp band at 685,7nm.

Nichols studied the cathodoluminescence of spinel in 1928.

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Cr³⁺,  Fe³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ substituting for Li : broad band around 595 - 615nm (10ms)

Cr³⁺ : 676, 690nm (peak)

Fe³⁺ : 685nm (5 ms)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Mn²⁺ is shown to be mainly in Li-sites rather than Al-sites and gives rise to a broad emission centered at 600 nm. In Cr-rich crystals only one R1 line is observed and Cr³⁺ emission is evident at room temperature. In green hiddenite crystals, Cr³⁺ emission is dominant at room temperature where the R-lines are superimposed on a broad-band emission. (Source: Luminescence spectroscopy of Cr³⁺ and Mn²⁺ in spodumene (LiAlSi₂O₆), WALKER G. see below).

Spodumen is a monoclinic pyroxene with two not equivalent metal cation sites M1 and M2. The aluminum occupies the smaller M1 site, which is approximately octahedral (actual symmetry C2) with an average metal-oxygen distance of 1.92 A. The M2 site, occupied by Li, is also six-fold coordinated with an average metal-oxygen distance of 2.23 Å. Both Al and Li sites may be substitutionally replaced by ions of the transitional metals in various proportions.

Both Mn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ centers have been identified in luminescence spectra by steadystate spectroscopy (Tarashchan 1978; Walker et al. 1997).

Besides, long lived deep red luminescence was found supposedly generated by Fe³⁺ especially in the specimen fluorescing a bright lilac color under SW, light peach LW and having a violet (not pink) color in daylight.

At room and lower temperatures only one emission band of Mn2+ occurs. 

It is very probable that Mn²⁺ ions in the spodumen matrix is present only in one site and that Mn²⁺ is mainly in Li-sites rather than Al-sites. (Gaft)

Activator(s):

,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

490nm, 516nm, 548nm, 598nm,654nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

472.3, 488.9, 509.0, 531.1, 554.7, 578.9nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

UO₂²⁺ : (490), 502, 521, 544, (566), (595nm)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Spectrum with typical peaks of Uranyl impurities;

Activator(s):

S₂^-,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

S₂^- : 564, 590, 606, 622, 646, 667, 687, 715, 745nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Typical spectrum of S₂^-;

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Other activators:

Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Dy³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  Ti - O,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : broad band peaking at 525 - 530nm (FWMH: 75nm)

Eu³⁺ : lines at 591, 615 and 702nm

Sm³⁺ : 602, 640nm

(Ti - O) : large band with max at 520-550nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

UO₂²⁺ : 504, 524, 548, 572, 601nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Green fluorescence due to the presence of trace of uranium in chalcedony (Typical spectrum of Uranyl)

Activator(s):

Centres dûs aux effets des radiations,  

Other activators:

Cr³⁺,  Ti³⁺,  Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Er³⁺,  Pr³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  Tm³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Sm³⁺ : 600nm

Eu ³⁺ : 620, 703nm 

Ti³⁺? : 742

749 762 769 793 798 804 820nm

Cr³⁺ : 750, 750, 786nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Potential luminescent centers include intrinsic TiO₆ and Ti³⁺ and different impurities such as trivalent and divalent rare-earth elements (REE), Pb²⁺ and Mn²⁺ substituting for Ca²⁺, Cr³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ substituting for Ti⁴⁺, and Cr⁴⁺, Cr⁵⁺ and Fe³⁺ substituting for Si⁴⁺.

Besides that, titanite can incorporate minor amounts of radioactive impurity components (particularly U and Th) that affect the crystal structure through α- and β-decay events.

Thus radiation-induced luminescence centers are also possible.

Nevertheless, steady-state luminescent spectroscopy of titanite under UV and X-ray excitations did not reveal characteristic bands and lines (Gorobets and Rogojine 2001) and only ionoluminescence spectrum of titanite exhibits various narrow lines of Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺ and Nd³⁺ (Yang 1995).

Chromium and other metals, such as Nb, Ta, V, Mn, Mg, Sn, Al, and Fe, are generally considered to be incorporated at the six-fold coordinated Ti-site whereas REEs substitute Ca on its large, seven-coordinated site. (Gaft)

Activator(s):

TiO₆,  

Other activators:

Cr³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

TiO₆ : broad band peaking at 455nm 

Cr³⁺ : lines at 680, 684, 695 - 697, 711, 734nm 

Comments on spectra and activators:

Broad band peaking at 455 nm (TiO₆). lines at 680, 684, 695-697, 711, 734 and band peaking near 680 nm, both due to Cr³⁺

It is established by Tarashchan that all photoluminescence characteristics of variously colored topazes from Ouro Preto, Brazil are due to three structurally non-equivalent Cr3+ centers isomorphically substituting Al3+ in the topaz structure and forming [CrO₄F₂]⁷⁻, [CrO₄OH,F]⁷⁻, and [CrO₄(OH)₂]⁷⁻ complexes. (Source: Luminescence spectroscopic study of Cr3+ in Brazilian topazes from Ouro Preto by A. N. Tarashchan and Al. see below).

Laser-induced time-resolved technique enables to detect three different Cr³⁺ and possibly Mn⁴⁺ and (TiO₄) emission centers (Gaft et al. 2003a) 

Activator(s):

S₂^-,  

Comments on spectra and activators:

Typical spectrum of S2- activator.

Activator(s):

Cr³⁺,  

Other activators:

Fe³⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Cr³⁺ : lines at 691, 697, 707 nm   
Fe³⁺ : band at 700 - 750 nm   
Mn²⁺ : band at 560 - 570 nm  

Comments on spectra and activators:

Under lamps excitation tourmaline is practically non-luminescent, while under X-ray excitation it exhibits impurity luminescence from Fe3+ centered at 700–750 nm and Mn2+ centered at 560–570 nm (Kusnetsov and Tarashchan 1988). (Gaft)

Activators: Cr3+ (lines at 691, 697, 707 nm), Fe3+ (band at 720 - 750 nm), Mn2+ (band at 560 - 570 nm)

Activator(s):

S₂^-,  

Other activators:

Fe³⁺,  Eu²⁺,  Ce³⁺,  Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

S₂^-  : band with weak vibrational structure peaking at 600-680nm

Fe³⁺repl. Si⁴⁺ : 570 - 680nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

It is generally accepted that the yellow-orange emission of tugtupite with weak vibrational structure at 300 K, which becomes more prominent at low temperatures, is connected to a S₂^-  luminescence center (Povarennykh et al. 1971).

Laser-induced time-resolved technique enables Gaft to detect Eu²⁺ (Band at 430nm) and Ce³⁺ (Band at 360nm), two different Mn²⁺ (Band at 495 & 512nm), Fe3+ (Band at 670nm) and S₂^-  (Band at 603nm) emission centers.

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

[ 488.1, 503.5 523.9, 547, 572.1, 599.7nm ]

[ 503, 525, 548, 573, 601, 630nm (échantillon en collection) ]

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

499nm, 513nm, 535nm, 560nm, 586nm, 597nm, 609nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Spectra Gorobets: 19400 cm-1, 18670 cm-1, 17960 cm-1;

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : (514nm), 528nm, 550nm, (576nm), (604nm), (642nm)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 500nm, 521nm, 545nm, 571nm, 599nm, 630nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 488.2, 502.2, 523.6, 547.2, 573.0, 600.7

501nm, 522nm, 546nm, 570nm, 597nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(UO₂)²⁺ : 498nm, 518nm, 539nm, 563nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Typical spectrum of Uranyl impurities.

Activator(s):

Matière organique intrinsèque,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

broad band centered around 600nm with curve modification at 570nm, 603nm and 654nm

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Activator(s):

n[TiO₆] cluster,  

Other activators:

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Very large band with max at 550 nm (Gorobets)

UO₂²⁺ : 502nm, 518nm, 539nm, 560nm (sample in collection)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Blue luminescence due to TiO6 (Gaft)

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Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Eu²⁺,  Nd³⁺,  Tm³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

• Mn²⁺ : large peak at 590 - 591 - 595nm (FWMH 50nm)
• Tm³⁺ : 450, 459nm
• Eu²⁺ : 480nm
• Nd³⁺ : 808, 858, 878, 887, 896, 914, 925nm (exc 780nm)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Time-resolved luminescence spectra are characterized by Tm³⁺, Eu²⁺ and Mn²⁺ centers (Gaft et al. 2013).

Excitation by CW laser with 532 and 785 nm revealed several luminescence bands and lines supposedly connected to Mn²⁺ and Nd³⁺

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

UO₂²⁺: 532, 550nm (LW),  511, 531, 553nm (SW)

Comments on spectra and activators:

The peaks of the spectrum are not very well defined but there is clearly  a peak around 532nm and a second one at 550nm. Other peaks should be found after deconvolution of the spectrum but are only slightly visible as shoulders in the curve. 

Activator(s):

S₂^-,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

(S₂)^- : Very broad band peaking around 600-603 nm with some waves superposed

Comments on spectra and activators:

De Ment studied the fluorescence spectrum of wernerite in 1943.

 The emission spectrum is dependent upon excitation wavelength, indicating that S₂^- occupies several different sites.

The luminescence emission spectrum is peculiar in that it is a series of distinct, nearly equally spaced bands, covering the region from 500 to 700nm with maximum intensity just below 600nm. This luminescence was originally attributed to 2+ UO 2 . Kirk (1954; 1955) showed that the luminescence center was more likely to be a polysulfide ion, S,, and later (Schulman and Kirk, 1964) deduced it to be S 2. Similar luminescence is found in hackmanite and in sodium thiosulfate reduced at 900 ° C. under UV light. The luminescence of wernerite can be enhanced by heating the samples to 900 °C for 24 h. (see Burgner R, Scheetz B, White W (1978) Vibrational structure of the S₂^- luminescence in scapolite. Phys Chem Miner 2:317–324).

Activator(s):

ST (Singlet-triplet)-Matière organique en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

410nm, 480nm, 512nm 546nm 604nm 708nm

Comments on spectra and activators:

Whewellite is often polluted by organic compound probably causing the fluorescence and phosphorescence (Humic acid? polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons?).

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺ replacing Zn²⁺ : broad band peaking at +/- 525nm 

Comments on spectra and activators:

Lifetime: 400μs @520nm

The action of ultra-violet rays on a large series of minerals of all kinds was tested by G. F. Kunz and C. Baskerville in 1903, and by E. Engelhardt in 1912. T. Liebisch in 1912 determined spectroscopically the nature of the green fluorescence from willemite. W.S. Andrews has pointed out in 1922 that artificially prepared willemite is only active when it contains some manganese, the shade of the green fluorescence depending on the amount of manganese present. Palache (1928) confirmed that the willemite containing manganese fluoresces the strongest.

Dake (1941) stated that most connoisseurs of fluorescent minerals agree that willemite from Franklin an Ogdensburg, N.J. is the most spectacular of all luminescent minerals.

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Activator(s):

,  

Other activators:

Eu²⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Eu²⁺ replacing Ba²⁺ : Peak at 390nm  

peak at 480 nm (unknown)

Comments on spectra and activators:

Witherite was studied by steady-state luminescence spectroscopy and trivalent REE, such as Gd, Dy and Eu, have been found (Gorobets and Rogojine 2001).

Excitation by CW laser with 532 and 780 nm revealed several luminescence lines and one broad band.

IR lines under 780 nm excitation may be evidently ascribed to Nd3+.

The band is somewhat similar to orange emission of barite ascribed to Ag+ luminescence center. (Gaft)

Activator(s):

Mn²⁺ ,  

Other activators:

Cr³⁺,  Fe³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Mn²⁺_I repl. Ca²⁺_I : 555-560nm

Mn²⁺_II repl. Ca²⁺_II  : 580nm  

Mn²⁺_III repl. Ca²⁺_III : 603, 640nm

Fe³⁺ repl. Si⁴⁺ : 690-700nm

Cr³⁺ : narrow R-lines at 720nm + 794 - 840nm broad band

Cr³⁺_II : 794nm

Cr³⁺_III : 840nm  

Comments on spectra and activators:

Steady-state luminescence of wollastonite has been previously studied and luminescence of Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺ and supposedly Cr³⁺ has been proposed (Min’ko et al. 1978). (Gaft)

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Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

UO₂²⁺ : 499nm, 522nm, 544nm

567, 594, 601nm (?) 

Activator(s):

Ti - O,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Ti-O : large band with max at 490 nm  (Gorobets) 

490, 513, 545, 601nm (sample in collection)

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

503, 525, 547, 575

Activator(s):

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) intrinsèque ,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

505, 527, 551, 577

Comments on spectra and activators:

Lifetime: 3μs @ 540nm;

Activator(s):

Centres dûs aux effets des radiations,  

Other activators:

(UO₂)²⁺ (ion Uranyle) en impureté,  Cr³⁺,  Fe³⁺,  Sm³⁺,  Eu³⁺,  Dy³⁺,  Ho³⁺,  Er³⁺,  Tb³⁺,  Nd³⁺,  Yb³⁺,  Tm³⁺,  

Peaks in the spectrum (nm):

Dy³⁺ : 472, 481, 486nm

(UO₂)²⁺ : 506, 523, 550nm

 Fe³⁺ : 750 nm, Δ = 110–120 nm and τ = 3–5 ms 

Neutron and alpha irradiation : 575 nm, peak half-width (Δ) = 120–130 nm, and decay time (τ) = 30–35 µs 

Comments on spectra and activators:

The crystal chemistry of zircon strongly favors the incorporation of REE in Zr⁴⁺ site. The REE impurities become luminescent in this crystallographic environment.

The steady-state luminescence in natural zircons is dominated by broad emission arising from radiation induced centers and narrow emission lines of Dy3+ (Trofimov 1962; Tarashchan 1978). These emissions obscure the spectra of other REE. The thermal treatment enables to solve this problem in certain cases using the fact that the intensity of broad band luminescence quickly decreases after heating at 700 °C–800 °C, while the intensities of the REE lines remain nearly constant (Shinno 1986, 1987). Even after heating the samples not all the REE can be identified by steady-state spectroscopy since the weaker luminescence lines of certain REE are obscured by stronger luminescence of others. For example, the luminescence of Pr³⁺ is difficult to detect because the lines of Sm³⁺, Dy³⁺ and Nd³⁺ hide its radiative transitions. In turn, Tb³⁺ conceals luminescence of Tm³⁺ and so on.

Different suppositions are made in previous studies and even the question about yellow luminescence connection with intrinsic or impurity defect remains open.

The yellow band with peak wavelength (λmax) = 575 nm, peak half-width (Δ) = 120–130 nm, and decay time (τ) = 30–35 µs is connected with neutron and alpha irradiation.
The red band with λmax = 750 nm, Δ = 110–120 nm and τ = 3–5 ms is connected with Fe³⁺. (M. Gaft, I. Shinno, G. Panczer and R. Reisfeld, Laser-induced time-resolved spectroscopy of visible broad luminescence bands in zircon, Mineralogy and Petrology, vol76, 2002)

Activators: broadband emission from radiation induced centers and lines from Dy³⁺ (Trofimov in Gaft) masking other lines from REE in Zr⁴⁺ site.

The intensity of the broadband luminescence quickly decrease after heating at 700-800° while the lines from REE stay constant (Shinno in Gaft).