Re: Glow in the dark opal?

Opal Discussion Forum

Date: November 07, 2004 at 17:06:07
From: James, [adsl-69-105-239-41.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net]
Subject: Re: Glow in the dark opal?

I've done some research and also talked to some gemologists and
they say that occasionally opals will have a natural luminousence.
You can test for this characteristic by putting the opal under a bright
light for a few minutes and then turn off all of the room lights.
Afterwards the opal may "glow in the dark" for a short time.

It was explained to me, as having to do with the chemical composition
of the opal itself. Most crystalline minerals "fluoresce" under ultra violet light to some
degree, and some will even retain radiant light energy from white light and "glow" after
exposure. The degree of luminousence depends upon the chemical composition of the individual stone.

Some opals glow, others don't.

It is simply another one of the wonders of nature. It adds no real value to the opal
it is merely a "curiosity."

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