The Nature
Discovery Center

Impurities in a mineral are usually the cause of its fluorescence; the impurities or "activators" are the reason for the variety of colors.  Very few "pure" minerals are known to fluoresce.  Enjoy the spectacular beauty of some of these fluorescent minerals under the Museum's shortwave and long wave lights.

Collections Fossils Rocks and Minerals Fluorescent Minerals Sands from Around the World Insects Shells and Sea Life Mounted Birds and Bird's Nests Mounted Mammals Galls Cones Indian Artifacts

Activities Rock Puzzle Rock and Mineral Quiz Make a Sand Collection Make a Fossil or Animal Track rubbing to take home Catch the right insect Look Through the Compound Eyes of an Insect Robin Puzzle Mammal Fur Coats Guess How The Native Americans Used These Objects Insect metamorphosis puzzle