When this limestone quarry was active, it was well known as a producer of very brightly fluorescent norbergite specimens. For the quarry, this is a relatively small, but very good example, of just how bright the norbergite here could get. And the specimen is still large enough to make a good fluorescent display without costing a fortune in postal fees.
Regarding the UV photos: Keep in mind that, unless you have a “death star” UV source, all UV photos are time exposures. You can make them as bright as you want by varying the exposure and/or using SW. You can also make the UV response any color you want, again via SW. These images are an attempt to reproduce what I think I saw using my UV source, namely a very bright, pale yellow response.
But my camera and Photoshop thought differently. Depending on the tool used, the color came out either greenish-yellow (chartreuse) or cream/off white. So I had to do “stuff” to make it look like what I think I saw. Perhaps the most useful thing to say is, that the color is “some sort” of yellow and that it is bright enough to keep company with willemite without getting lost (although it is not as bright as that mineral).
Reagarding the norbergite ID: Over the years there has been a good deal of controversy regarding norbergite vs chondrodite in the Franklin area limestone quarries. The current expert consensus seem to be that “if it fluoresces, it is norbergite, else chondrodite”. But many specimens are probably mixtures.
The matrix is grayish calcite with lots of graphite inclusions. If there are any euhedral norbergite crystals here (which I doubt), your chances of extracting any are essentially nil.
Single item shipping weight 5.1 oz. Note that USPS foreign packet rates recently increased significantly. It may be advantageous for foreign customers to hold an "open box" so as to reduce postage costs by combining with items from a future auction. Let me know, and I will generate a new “item only” invoice. Postage will be invoiced when all items are actually shipped.
Outside the USA, the stated postage and packing rate applies up to a total weight of 8 oz (225 g). It is no longer possible to save on postage by using a padded envelope for shipping.
Within the USA, there is a nominal increase of $0.20 for each additional ounce. Above 13 oz, I will use Priority Mail. Up to 16 oz, the “own box” Priority rate is $8.50 (including packing).
Please see my "Shipping Policy" for details.
