Sunday, August 9, 2020

UV Fluorescent Oyster Fossil


Recently, I obtained an ultraviolet (UV) LED flashlight set at 365 nm wavelength. This light is shortwave UV and in the past this type of light was quite expensive. I have a Mineralight Model SL 2537 which is over 50 years old. The replacement bulb for it is over $100. The LED light I found on Amazon.com was under $40. I was somewhat skeptical it would produce shortwave UV. It worked and I am glad now I have a replacement for the older light.

I illuminated some oyster fossils and they really started to fluoresce an orange color.


Below is an image showing two intertwined oyster fossils that appear to be Ilymatogyra arictina. It was found in the Del Rio Formation of Val Verde County, Texas, USA. It dates to the Cenomanian, Upper Cretaceous Period. I originally posted about this fossil on December 27, 2019.