Zircons with weak absorption lines

Three of six cut zircons from my collection. These show the weakest uranium absorption lines and the colours (blue and gold) result from very broad absorption bands.

The luminescence spectra consist of groups of narrow emission lines with an underlying continuum in the yellow/green. The three stones exhibit very similar line spectra with the clear (white) stone having somewhat weaker lines. The line identifications are mostly with dysprosium and samarium (Dy^3+ and Sm^3+).

Flickr page for this photo.

Visit the Eye for Science Flickr group.

Get the "Eye for Science" widget here and install it on your own blog. Spread the scienticity!

Like this image? Want it for your smartphone wallpaper?
Use this QR Code to load it on your smartphone and enjoy!