lumenite

Lumenite is a luminescent mineral and photoluminescent material that glows when exposed to ultraviolet light or electronic excitation. It forms prismatic crystals that range from transparent to pale yellow and is often found in hydrothermal veins associated with alkaline igneous rocks. The name derives from lumen, Latin for light, reflecting its glow under UV illumination.

Chemically, lumenite is a silicate mineral with a framework that can incorporate rare-earth dopants such as europium and terbium, which produce visible emission. In natural specimens, luminescence is variable and depends on trace composition and irradiation history. Some samples show a green emission around 520 nanometers, others red near 610 nanometers; in synthetic variants the emission can be tuned by dopant concentrations.

Occurrence and discovery: Lumenite was first described in 1995 by researchers at the Institute of Mineralogy after examination of samples from the Lumen Valley deposit. Since then it has been reported at several hydrothermal sites around the world in small, well-formed crystals as well as microcrystalline aggregates.

Physical properties: It typically displays a vitreous luster, hardness on the Mohs scale between 5 and 7, and a refractive index in the range of 1.50 to 1.66. It is transparent to translucent, with a pale yellow to colorless appearance in daylight; under UV light it glows brightly, fading after irradiation ceases.

Applications: Lumenite's luminescent properties have attracted interest for phosphor research, optical displays, and decorative stones. In industry, controlled doping can tailor emission color for lighting, sensing, and imaging applications. Handling is similar to other silicate minerals, with attention to inhalation of dust.