Calcite / Willemite — Sterling Hill Mine, Ogdensburg, New Jersey, USA Cut & Polished Fluorescent Specimen

Sterling Hill needs no introduction to the fluorescent mineral community — it stands alongside Franklin as one of the most celebrated localities in the history of mineralogy, and specimens from this mine remain the benchmark against which all fluorescent material is measured.

This cut and polished piece showcases the classic Sterling Hill combination of green-fluorescing willemite and red-fluorescing calcite, both minerals responding with exceptional intensity under shortwave UV. The cut and polished surfaces bring out the zonation and mineral distribution with a clarity that rough material simply can't match, making this as much a display piece as a scientific curiosity. Phosphorescence is strong and long-lasting — the glow lingers well after the lamp is removed, a property that never gets old regardless of how long you've been in the hobby.

Photographs were taken using a 70-watt shortwave UV lamp. Results under lower-powered or broadband UV sources will vary, and as always, shortwave UV is where this material truly performs.

A classic locality, a classic mineral combination, and a cut that shows it off properly.

Approx. specimen size: 100mm x 50mm x 20mm

Approx. specimen weight: 151.33 grams