Deep inside a historic zinc mine turned museum lies a dazzling geological treasure: the world’s largest publicly displayed collection of fluorescent rocks, housed at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. This unique display showcases more than 700 fluorescent mineral specimens that burst into vibrant colours under ultraviolet light a spectacle that attracts rock lovers and curious visitors from around the globe.
The museum located in what was once one of the nation’s most productive zinc mines features a dedicated Thomas S. Warren Museum of Fluorescence, where fluorescent rocks of many types are exhibited. These minerals, many sourced from the mine itself and surrounding localities, emit glowing hues of green, orange, red and other brilliant colours when illuminated by UV light, making the experience as educational as it is mesmerizing.
The Sterling Hill Mining Museum has become known as the world’s top destination for seeing fluorescent minerals, offering visitors both the scientific wonder of mineral fluorescence and a rare glimpse into the colourful hidden side of Earth’s geology. Tours include underground mine experiences, exhibits of fossils and other minerals, and hands‑on displays of the glowing specimens.
The museum not only celebrates a record‑setting collection but also honours the region’s rich mining history and its contribution to mineralogy, drawing thousands of guests annually to witness the radiant wonders beneath the surface.
