In-Reply-To: <Pine.SOL.3.91.950718084220.5350A-100000@comp>
If you choose your minerals carefully it MAY be possible to use those
which give a reasonable fluorescence effect under long wave (= less
harmful, NOT HARMLESS AS THE SUNBED MAKERS WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE !!)
A 6mm glass sheet in front of the display should protect from long wave
UV radiation. If you need to use short wave stuff, then check the UV
transmission spectrum of the glass you intend to use.
Be sure to have an electrical interlock system so that staff working on
the system to repair/change tubes etc. can't be directly exposed to UV
radiation once the case is open.  The case must also be sufficiently
secure to prevent unauthorised access - i.e. kids !
If you can exert some control over the location of the case(s), then
choose an area of the gallery where there is already a low ambient light
level.
I saw a particularly effective group of displays using UV illumination at
the Glenbow Museum in Calgary last year.

My "work" e-mail address is :      [log in to unmask]

John Furlong
Senior Gallery Manager
The Natural History Museum
London