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Gemological tool

UV Lamp, Long Wave and Short Wave

Fluorescence exposes treatments, synthetics, and origin

Typical price$ 30 - 300
PortabilityModerately portable
Field noteHandheld, needs darkness

How to use it

  1. Work in a completely darkened room
  2. Place the stone on a non-fluorescent dark surface
  3. Test under long wave (LW, 365 nm) first, hold lamp 8 to 10 cm away
  4. Record color and intensity: inert, weak, moderate, or strong
  5. Switch to short wave (SW, 254 nm) and repeat
  6. Note any difference between LW and SW reactions