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Materials That Glow in the Dark

Chemiluminescence, Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, and More

From Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

Here's a collection of photos of materials that glow in the dark. Why do objects glow? It could be due to radioactive decay or a chemiluminescent reaction or any of a variety of other types of luminescence.

Images 1-12 of 26

  1. Glow in the Dark IceThe ice cubes in this drink glow in the dark.
  2. Glowing Petroleum JellyPetroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, glows bright blue under a black light.
  3. GlowsticksGlowsticks or lightsticks are available in a variety of colors.
  4. Luminol ChemiluminescenceThe blue glow is characteristic of luminol chemiluminescence.
  5. Glow in the Dark SlimeIt's easy and fun to make eerie glowing slime.
  6. Glowing Lego ToysThese Lego Bionicle pieces glow under a black light.
  7. Glowing Paper AirplaneThis is just an ordinary paper airplane. Most white paper glows brilliant blue under black light.
  8. Glowing Mentos FountainGlow=in-the-dark fountain!
  9. Glowing Fluorescent DyeGlowing Fluorescent Dye
  10. Glow in the Dark GeodeGlow in the Dark Geode
  11. Glowing Crystal SnowflakeGlowing Crystal Snowflake
  12. Glowing DrinkThis is the glow you get from shining a black light on a mix of water and tonic water.
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