The Fluorescent Back Yard (Shallow Thoughts)

The Fluorescent Back Yard

Some years ago, I bought a long wave 365nm UV flashlight through a group purchase the local geology club made.

I had a few UV flashlights, cheap "scorpion lights" you see at gift shops. But it turns out the cheap lights don't really show the fluorescent colors of most rocks very well; this one was recommended by an expert in the geology club as a low-cost entry to seeing fluorescent rock colors. (They told us you can see even more with more expensive lights — with a warning not to get the 6-Watt UV-Tools light, as its performance is very disappointing -- but I went for the entry-level option.)

I used it a few times, marveled at the cool colors, and then put it away. Recently I dug it out again and went walking around the yard after dark.

Read more ...