Self-Collection of Fluorescent Minerals

In many regions, self-collection of fluorescent minerals is an option. UV lights that operate using a battery pack are typically used to examine discarded material outside of old mines in areas called dumps. The mineral museum in Franklin, New Jersey contains some of the world's most famous dumps. The Buckwheat dump is seen in the photo above from the museum's website. One technique is to arrive while there is still daylight then dig up and mark interesting locations for examination after  dark with a battery operated UV light. A small box,  dark fabric bag, or a dark room  must be used to check for fluorescence in daylight. Mines can be very dangerous places and you should never enter a mine without permission. This is especially true for old abandoned mines. Your local mineral society is an excellent source for current information about collecting areas in your locale. Many mineral societies sponsor periodic field trips. Here is an interesting find from one of the area's dumps.