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Minerals Reveal Radiant Secret in New Exhibit

Published 01/30/2008

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“Glow in the Dark” Fluorescent Rock Mine on display at The Woodlands Xploration Station

The Woodlands, TX -- Sparkling in the sunlight is only one way a mineral can be beautiful or unique; some show their true colors only under cover of darkness. Marvel at rocks that glow in the dark in the new HMNS “Glow in the Dark” Fluorescent Rock Mine, now on display at The Woodlands Xploration Station. This dramatic display is housed in a newly opened exhibition that features a recreation of a “walk-in” mine tunnel.

Discover 116 examples of a variety of rare, fluorescent minerals, including Willemite, Franklinite, Calcite and Esperite from the Franklin-Sterling Hill Mining District in New Jersey, known as the Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World. The best and brightest fluorescent minerals in the world are found in this area.

“Under regular light, these minerals look just like any other common chunk of rock,” said Joel A. Bartsch, president of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Curator of Gems and Minerals. “It’s only when you turn the regular lights off and the “black” light on that these rare minerals show us what they’re truly made of. The transformation is stunning, and we hope that witnessing it will inspire visitors to explore the fascinating science of mineralogy.”

Minerals fluoresce when certain activator elements are present. For example, when the right type of host rock, such as Calcite, contains the activator element Manganese, it will glow red under fluorescent light. If Fluorite is present, Calcite glows deep green; when Fluorapatite is present, it glows yellow. Examples of these, as well as many other glowing mineral combinations are on display.

The Woodlands Xploration Station is located on the lower level of The Woodlands Mall, across from Sears. Admission is $5 for children (3 – 11) and $10 for adults; free for Museum members. For tickets, or more information, visit the Museum's Web site or call (281) 364-7200.

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