[Rockhounds] colour perception, organic fluorescence, etc

[jb]

J. R. Hodel wrote:
> HI Axel, Kitty, et al:
>
> Axel, here in the North American forests we have several woods that fluoresce under the right stimulation.  Locust (I think the black locust variety native to the WV forest) glows, as does the shrub sumac.  This isn't the poison sumac which I think is a western shrub, this is a shrub which bears bright red fruit clusters with which you can make a pleasent non-intoxicating beverage.  It glows best in long-wave "black light".  I don't remember which spectrum locust responds to best.
>
> Do we know what mechanism might cause the fluorescent reaction in organic materials?
>
> Just wondering, sorry if we're off topic, but it is related to black light, etc.
>
> Merry Christmas, everyone!
>
> JR
>
>
>   

Think Foxfire.



john