Above, sunset over Clear Creek.. as we await ultraviolet collecting darkness..

This time we focused our exploration on land surrounding the old Picacho mercury mine, and were well rewarded with many specimens of crystalline karpatite.

Karpatite here has a varied fluorescence: some glows with a yellowish cast, appearing slightly greenish-blue by comparison with the typical sky-blue fluorescing material.

Above, a large (14 cm) display specimen of karpatite fluorescing brilliantly under shortwave ultraviolet light.

At right, close-up view. Sheafs of thin elongate karpatite crystals. Field width 5 cm.

Below, view of a prominent outcrop near the Picacho mine at sunset.

Above, masses of bladed karpatite crystals fluorescing brilliantly under shortwave ultraviolet light. In daylight these crystals are yellow and have a slightly resinous luster. Field width 12 cm.

Below, a small (5 cm) specimen with distinct yellowish fluorescing patches. Shortwave ultraviolet.

Below, close-up view of blue-fluorescing karpatite crystals glowing brilliantly under shortwave ultraviolet. Some white light is present in this photo as well. Field width 2 cm.

Below, small hand specimen of karpatite with some yellowish-fluorescing blades under shortwave ultraviolet light. Width 6 cm.

All content © Herb Yeates 2006

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