The Fluorescent Mineral Society

The Fluorescent Mineral Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit member driven organization of folks who love fluorescent minerals. We have members from around the world and include all types of enthusiasts from professional mineralogists to those who love pretty rocks that glow. As a scientific and education based non-profit, our volunteer run organization is tasked with fostering and growing our hobby, while facilitating research to better understand and teach the science behind fluorescent rocks. The society was founded in 1971, incorporated in 1993, and was registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2018.

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The FMS Community

Facebook

We host a lively group of Fluoresophiles on Facebook. Our group includes collectors, dealers, scientists, and folks that simply enjoy fluorescent minerals, from all over the world – no need to be a member of the FMS to join.

Fluoresophiles on Facebook

Sustaining Members

Behind every glowing specimen is a dedicated community. Sustaining Members play a crucial role in supporting our society’s mission, helping us fund outreach initiatives, maintain valuable resources, and foster global connections. Explore how these vital contributions empower our society and go check them out!

Sustaining Members

The GlowNotes Blog

Dive deeper into the hobby with our GlowNotes blog! From expert tips on UV lights and collecting strategies to exciting field trip recaps and hobby insights, we have articles covering everything that makes our community shine. Explore our latest posts to expand your knowledge.

GlowNotes Blog

Fluoresophiles on Facebook

Sustaining Members

GlowNotes Blog

FMS Membership & Donations

As a member driven 501(c)3 scientific and education based charitable organization, we rely on public support for our efforts. Currently, we have nearly 400 members from all over the globe and greatly appreciate their support. Come and join the fun!

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Fluorescent Minerals

Common Fluorescent Minerals

The term “fluorescence” was derived from the mineral fluorite, where the phenomenon was first observed. Since then, over 500 minerals have been identified to exhibit some form of fluorescence. While only between 10 and 15 percent of all minerals fluoresce, some are much more common than others. Calcite is probably the most common and can fluoresce in a variety of colors. Aragonite, sodalite, scheelite, willemite, opal, scheelite and barite are examples of other fairly common fluorescent minerals. Click the link for a gallery common fluorescent minerals.

Common Fluorescent Minerals

Fluorescent Mineral Database – FMDB

Discover the ultimate visual resource for our hobby with the Fluorescent Mineral Database (FMDB). Built entirely from specimens submitted by FMS members, the database is packed with incredible photos and detailed luminescence properties. Whether you are searching for specific minerals or checking regional localities, you will find everything from common favorites to incredibly rare specimens from obscure global localities. It is a true community effort—and you can even contribute photos of your own specimens to help our glowing library grow!

Fluorescent Mineral Database

Common Fluorescent Minerals

Fluorescent Mineral Database

The Science of Fluorescents

Fluorescent Minerals

Well over 3600 mineral species have been identified at this time. Over 500 of them are known to fluoresce visibly. Most minerals do not fluoresce when pure. It takes certain impurities in certain quantities to make the mineral fluoresce. Such impurities are called “activators”. Different activators can make the same mineral fluoresce in different colors. Different minerals require different activators, and in different quantities.

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The UV Spectrum

Visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation are like light in many ways; they are just at different wavelengths that the human eye cannot see. Since wavelength is what makes the difference between colors in visible light, you might say other wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations are “invisible colors of light”. Radio, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays are all forms of electromagnetic radiation.

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Publications

The UV Waves

The Waves is the bi-monthly newsletter of the FMS. Each issue covers the latest happenings of the FMS and its chapters. Typically, there’ll be an article or two highlighting a collecting trip, a chapter meeting, or an interesting subject regarding a unique mineral or the science of fluorescents.

UV Waves

The Journal of the Fluorescent Mineral Society

The Journal is published on a somewhat annual basis and is typically more technical than The Waves. Articles often go in depth on the specifics of a fluorescent mineral or family of minerals or can cover the latest research into the science of fluorescence, afterglow, tenebrescence and the like.

Journal of the FMS

The Henkel Glossary

The Henkel Glossary of Fluorescent Minerals by Dr. Gerhard Henkel, is the most exhaustive listing of fluorescent minerals known. Edited by Dr. Earl Verbeek and Dr. Peter Modreski, the Henkel Glossary was published as a special issue of Journal of the Fluorescent Mineral Society in 1988 and is currently being updated for a new release shortly.