What To Know
- To make obsidian glow under black light, you will need a black light and a piece of obsidian that contains fluorescent minerals.
- Once you have a black light and a piece of obsidian, simply shine the black light on the obsidian.
- The color of the obsidian’s glow will depend on the type of mineral that is present in the stone.
Obsidian is a volcanic glass that is formed when lava cools rapidly. It is typically black in color, but it can also be found in shades of brown, red, and green. Obsidian is often used in jewelry, art, and construction. But does obsidian glow under black light?
The Answer: Yes, But Not All Obsidian
The answer is yes, but not all obsidian will glow under black light. Only obsidian that contains certain minerals will fluoresce, or glow, when exposed to ultraviolet light. The most common mineral that causes obsidian to glow is manganese. Manganese is a metal that is often found in volcanic rocks. When manganese is present in obsidian, it absorbs ultraviolet light and then re-emits it as visible light. This process is called fluorescence.
The Color of Obsidian’s Glow
The color of obsidian’s glow will depend on the type of mineral that is present in the stone. Obsidian that contains manganese will typically glow green or yellow under black light. Obsidian that contains uranium will glow red or orange. And obsidian that contains iron will glow blue or purple.
Why Does Obsidian Glow Under Black Light?
Obsidian glows under black light because of a phenomenon called fluorescence. Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. In the case of obsidian, the light that is absorbed is ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light causes the electrons in the obsidian to become excited. When the electrons return to their normal state, they release energy in the form of visible light.
How to Make Obsidian Glow Under Black Light
To make obsidian glow under black light, you will need a black light and a piece of obsidian that contains fluorescent minerals. You can find black lights at most hardware stores or online. You can also find obsidian at rock shops or online.
Once you have a black light and a piece of obsidian, simply shine the black light on the obsidian. The obsidian will then start to glow.
Other Minerals That Cause Obsidian to Glow
In addition to manganese, there are a number of other minerals that can cause obsidian to glow under black light. These minerals include:
- Uranium
- Iron
- Copper
- Nickel
- Cobalt
- Zinc
The color of the obsidian’s glow will depend on the type of mineral that is present.
In a nutshell: Obsidian’s Unique Fluorescence
Obsidian is a unique and beautiful stone that can glow under black light. This phenomenon is caused by fluorescence, which is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. The color of the obsidian’s glow will depend on the type of mineral that is present in the stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is obsidian?
A: Obsidian is a volcanic glass that is formed when lava cools rapidly. It is typically black in color, but it can also be found in shades of brown, red, and green. Obsidian is often used in jewelry, art, and construction.
Q: Why does obsidian glow under black light?
A: Obsidian glows under black light because of a phenomenon called fluorescence. Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. In the case of obsidian, the light that is absorbed is ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light causes the electrons in the obsidian to become excited. When the electrons return to their normal state, they release energy in the form of visible light.
Q: What minerals cause obsidian to glow under black light?
A: The most common mineral that causes obsidian to glow under black light is manganese. Other minerals that can cause obsidian to glow include uranium, iron, copper, nickel, cobalt, and zinc. The color of the obsidian’s glow will depend on the type of mineral that is present.
