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photo of Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Anne Marie's Chemistry Blog

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Chemistry since 2001

Things that Really Glow under a Black Light

Sunday November 16, 2003
I recently wrote up a list of Materials That Glow Under Black Light. Since that time, I've experimented with a black light myself. What did I learn? For one, I've confirmed that the materials in my list do glow. A notable exception was my fluorite (apparently the fluorite has to contain a particular impurity to glow). However, if want you to look at something really cool, check out a Lego that has fluorescent parts (such as this Bionicle, Turahk). These toys glow like a lightbulb and keep on glowing for a couple of seconds after the light is turned off. Other notable glowers: pipecleaners (chenille craft sticks) and weedeater twine. You get lightsaber action with those two materials! Many plastics glowed brightly and over a broad color range. The cheap little plastic balls used for cat toys were so neat I think the cat will never see them again. Do you have glowing items to add to my list? If so, please e-mail me and I'll check it out.

Comments

September 26, 2008 at 9:24 am
(1) Summer Cox says:

could send me an email about the stuff you need in order to complete this project?

November 20, 2008 at 9:46 am
(2) BioStudent says:

Dood. Your articles on fluorescent substances and materials really helped me with a paper for my Honors Biology class. Thanks a lot for your help! ;D

March 14, 2009 at 12:36 am
(3) rick says:

my science project was the best in class,i never knew so many common things glowed. my grade went up to honors!

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