UV Light
The type of Ultraviolet light and the color of visible light is determined by its wavelength. The unit of measurement for light wavelengths is the nanometer (nm). Ultraviolet light is generally considered to be from 200nm to 400nm.
395nm – Uranium, Cadmium and Selenium
This wavelength is generally considered the best to use if you are looking for Uranium Glass, since it doesn’t also light up manganese (which is often confused for its radioactive counterpart)
365nm – Manganese, +24% Lead, Uranium Glazed Pottery and all of the above
This wavelength is considered the best if you are looking for lead. Because it also lights up Manganese glass, which if often confused with Uranium, this light is not best if you are a uranium purist.
*I always carry a 395nm and 365nm so I can be sure I won’t confuse the two.
254nm – UV Reactive Minerals
This wavelength is generally considered the best to use if you are looking for UV Reactive minerals. It detects Scheelite, Zircon, Diamond, Calcium-Uranium Mica and other fluorescent mineral unable to be seen with long-wave nm lights.
