Synthetic Fluorescent Rock: Synthilite II, Synth2.2 - UVc

 

From the basement lab comes this 2" wide specimen.

 

Salt, Aluminum Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Metasilicate, Sulfur and a small amount of Sodium Hydroxide was combined with water and allowed to evaporate for a few days. This produced a thick viscous yellow liquid that easily formed small crytals.

 

This liquid formed the "base" for Synthelite II. To this was added a small amount of strontium carbonate, a bit of manganese sulfate solution and then mixed in an aluminum foil form.

 

The dilute sulfuric acid produced by the hydrolyzed aluminum sulfate caused the strontium carbonate to release carbon dioxide gas bubbles. This caused the mass to become riddled with small holes and resembled a piece of yellow cake. On top was sprinkled some filings from a lead fishing sinker. The sample was then allowed to dry in the sun for a day.

 

The foil was peeled back and the sample was then heated with a MAPP gas torch until incancescent.

 

The resulting rock was hard and brittle.

 

Contains:

Strontium Sulfide ? (FL+PHOS Yellow >UVc)

 

Shown under UVc light.

 

Key:

WL = White light (halogen + LED)

FL = Fluoresces

PHOS = Phosphorescent

BL = 450nm (Blue LED),

UVa = 368nm (LW), UVb = 311nm (MW), UVc = 254nm (SW)

'>' = "stimulated by:", '!' = "bright", '~' = "dim"

 

Obtained from my "lab".

 

Synth2.2

 

Series best viewed in Light Box mode using Right and Left arrows to navigate.

Photostream best viewed in Lightbox mode (in the dark).

 

18 Watt Triple Output UV lamp from Polman Minerals - Way Too Cool UV lamps

Done