Fluorescence and Phosphorescence in Nature - Best photos

Firstly, there's often some confusion about what is phosphorescence and fluorescence. So let's start with a quick reminder:

Fluorescence

Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation of a different wavelength. It is a form of luminescence. In most cases, emitted light has a longer wavelength, and therefore lower energy, than the absorbed radiation. However, when the absorbed electromagnetic radiation is intense, it is possible for one electron to absorb two photons; this two-photon absorption can lead to emission of radiation having a shorter wavelength than the absorbed radiation.

The most striking examples of fluorescence occur when the absorbed radiation is in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum, and thus invisible, and the emitted light is in the visible region.

Fluorescence has many practical applications, including mineralogy, gemology, chemical sensors (Fluorescence spectroscopy), fluorescent labelling, dyes, biological detectors, and, most commonly, fluorescent lamps.

source

Phosporescence

Phosphorescence is a specific type of photoluminescence related to fluorescence. Unlike fluorescence, a phosphorescent material does not immediately re-emit the radiation it absorbs. The slower time scales of the re-emission are associated with "forbidden" energy state transitions in quantum mechanics. As these transitions occur very slowly in certain materials, absorbed radiation may be re-emitted at a lower intensity for up to several hours after the original excitation.

The study of phosphorescent materials led to the discovery of radioactivity in 1896.

source

Now, here are some stunning photos! Fluorescence or Phosphorescence?



Light-pink calcite under under UV light
Origin: Mongolia
Owner: Axel Emmermann

source


Aequorea jellyfish
Image Credit: Steven Haddock


Cinquefoil, potentillia intermedia L.
Image Credit: Bjorn Rorslett


This Hawaiian soft coral (Sinularia densa) demonstrates green fluorescence. The reddish coloration is that of zooxanthellae or algal fluorescence.

source


Bioluminescence in mushrooms

I remember when I was around 10yo swim (that was in summer) in the ocean at night in a fluorescent water, there was hundreds of thousands of tiny green-light particles around me and everywhere in the sea, that was a very odd and amazing experience...

I also remember of the lightning bugs as well:

Both fluorescence and phosphorescence have fascinated me from childhood. I treasured any little plastic 'glow in the dark' item I could find (which was much rarer to find then than today) and later as a teenager I discovered black-light, I painted my own posters and mobiles and marveled at the ordinary things that would change color or even glow under the harsh purple light. (well, it was the groovy 70's)

Thanks for the information. S&F

reply to post by czygyny

You're welcome!

Here's a collection of 47 fluorescent minerals:





With their names and origin:




Amazing colors...

source