usaret
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2012
Posts: 52
|
Post by usaret on Feb 1, 2014 22:17:01 GMT -5
I'm looking to get a uv light to take on my rock trips. What should I be looking at short or long wave ?
Thanks
|
|
rockncajun
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 344
|
Post by rockncajun on Feb 2, 2014 10:06:14 GMT -5
A Way Too Cool, LW/SW DC light is my light of choice
|
|
Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,492
|
Post by Sabre52 on Feb 2, 2014 20:41:46 GMT -5
Yeah, having both wavelengths is pretty cool. The strength of the light is important too. I have one around somewhere and I never use it because I'm tall and have to bend over too much to use the dang thing. Won't work at distances over maybe 2 feet......Mel
|
|
quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
|
Post by quartz on Feb 2, 2014 23:58:47 GMT -5
Mel, what's your thoughts on making an extension handle for the light to get it closer to the subject mtl.? Would the rocks show up well enough w/o having to stoop or crawl all the time?
|
|
rockncajun
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 344
|
Post by rockncajun on Feb 3, 2014 9:17:25 GMT -5
Quartz, that is a great idea! I will have to try that.
|
|
Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,492
|
Post by Sabre52 on Feb 3, 2014 11:37:19 GMT -5
Yeah, I made a strap to dangle my UV light from so I didn't have to bend over when using it. Another problem I ran into is, when I took mine into the Cadys, too much stuff glowed, even the scorpions, so I really didn't see a lot of use for it in terms of agate hunting. Might be a lot better in areas where chalcedony was more scarce. Years ago I did use it for hunting desert roses over near the Colorado River and in that area, chalcedony was less common so it worked pretty well. Might be great for fire agate too. Probably a better tool for mineral enthusiasts than for agate collectors though.....Mel
|
|
|
|
Post by 150FromFundy on Feb 4, 2014 16:59:54 GMT -5
usaret - There are a few things to consider …
Do you want your UV light for collecting, examining, displaying, or photographing?
If you are collecting, you will need a battery operated portable light. This light will also be suitable for examining your collection. I have a small 4W (4-AAA batteries) for this purpose. If you are displaying, or photographing, you need a more powerful light that requires 120V.
Do you want Long Wave UV, or Shortwave UV?
If you are just starting out, you want to get a Long Wave UV. The radiation from these bulbs is only mildly damaging. Use common sense and don’t look directly at it and you will be fine. These are also the most affordable lights to buy.
When you gain more confidence and have lots of money, get a Short Wave UV light. The radiation from these bulbs is seriously damaging. These are the same lights that hospitals use to sterilize surgical instruments and water treatment plants use to kill all biological life in your tap water. Use common sense and don’t look directly at it, ALWAYS wear UV protection goggles and ALWAYS protect your skin. These lights are significantly more expensive to buy due to the requirement for a quality filter, which also has a life expectancy and deteriorates over time.
Where can you learn more?
By far, the greatest source of information online is at the Fluorescent Mineral Society website. Check it out. They explain the science, talk about lights, list numerous vendors, and have amazing photos.
Before Christmas, we were at “ground zero” with UV knowledge, but were fascinated with the photos we saw. The FMS spent a great deal of time ensuring that we purchased the correct lights for our needs (and budget) and wanted to ensure that we didn’t get off to a disappointing start. It’s now February, I joined the FMS, started collecting both LW and SW specimens, learned how to photograph UV specimens, and go on rants like a “Mr. Know-It-All” when the opportunity presents itself.
Good luck, and may your interest both grow, and glow.
Darryl.
|
|
Nov 12, 2024 9:54:37 GMT -5
Nov 12, 2024 9:54:37 GMT -5
Nov 14, 2024 18:17:57 GMT -5
*
Nov 14, 2024 18:17:57 GMT -5
*
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
