Fluorescence is light energy produced by a process where high-energy radiation (such as ultraviolet or X-ray) is absorbed by electrons surrounding an atom and is re-emitted as light energy.
Phosphoresence is light energy produced by a particular type of chemical reaction where the excess chemical energy of the reactants is given off as light energy.
Phosphorescence and fluorescence are both types of light emission, but they differ in how long they last. Fluorescence is a quick emission of light that stops as soon as the light source is removed, while phosphorescence continues to emit light for a period of time after the light source is removed.
Fluorescence and phosphorescence are both processes where a substance absorbs and then emits light. The key difference is in the timing of the light emission. Fluorescence happens almost immediately after the substance absorbs light, while phosphorescence involves a delay in the emission of light, which can last from milliseconds to hours.
Stephen G. Schulman has written: 'Fluorescence and phosphorescence spectroscopy' -- subject(s): Fluorescence spectroscopy, Phosphorescence spectroscopy 'Molecular Luminescence Spectroscopy'
Phosphorescence is similar to fluorescence in that both involve emission of light by materials after they have absorbed energy. The main difference is the time scale: fluorescence is immediate, while phosphorescence has a delay before light is emitted.
Ralph S. Becker has written: 'Theory and interpretation of fluorescence and phosphorescence'
Fritz Bandow has written: 'Lumineszenz' -- subject(s): Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, Radiation
Jack De Ment has written: 'Fluorochemistry' -- subject(s): Fluorescence, Luminescence, Phosphorescence 'Fluorescent chemicals and their applications' -- subject(s): Fluorescence
Fluorescence and phosphorescence are related but distinct properties of minerals. Fluorescence occurs when a mineral absorbs energy and emits light almost instantly, typically within nanoseconds, while phosphorescence involves a delayed emission of light that can persist for seconds to hours after the excitation source is removed. Both phenomena result from the excitation of electrons, but the mechanisms and durations of light emission differ significantly. Thus, while they share similarities, they are not the same mineral property.
The ability of a mineral or substance to glow during and after exposure to ultraviolet light is called fluorescence. If it continues to glow after the ultraviolet light has been turned off the effect is called phosphorescence.
Gypsum itself is not phosphorescent; it is a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. Phosphorescence refers to the property of certain materials to absorb light and then re-emit it over time, which is not a characteristic of gypsum. However, some gypsum crystals may exhibit fluorescence under specific lighting conditions, but this is different from phosphorescence.
Felix Fritz has written: 'Leuchtfarben, geschichte, herstellung, eigenschaften und anwendung' -- subject(s): Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, Technical Chemistry
Some gemstones that exhibit fluorescence or phosphorescence can appear to glow under ultraviolet light. Some examples include diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opals, and sapphires. The fluorescence effect can vary depending on the specific gemstone and its unique chemical composition.