The Night Pearl is a type of fluorite mineral known for its unique luminescent properties. This glow is attributed to the presence of rare earth elements within the crystal structure. When exposed to external energy sources like light, the electrons in these elements become excited and move to a higher energy state. Once the external energy stops, the electrons return to their original state, releasing energy in the form of light. This process can last for several hours after exposure, making the mineral visible at night but not during the day. When carved into a pearl shape, it's called a "Night Pearl," while when set on a jade board, it's referred to as a "Night Exchange." It's important to note that this glowing phenomenon isn't produced by oysters or traditional pearls.
Throughout history, the Night Pearl has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Ancient texts and folklore often portrayed it as a magical object, sometimes even linking it to mythical creatures or supernatural powers. For example, some legends claimed it could illuminate the sky like a dragon’s fire. In ancient China, it was known as “night light wall†or “light stone,†and was considered extremely rare and valuable. The British scholar Joseph Needham mentioned in his work *Science and Civilisation in China* that the Chinese once prized Syrian Night Pearls, calling them “peacock warm jade.†In India, they were sometimes referred to as “snake eyes,†while in Japan, they were regarded as sacred gems.
In 1900, during the invasion of Beijing by the Eight-Nation Alliance, Empress Dowager Cixi fled to Xi’an. To gain favor with the foreign forces, she reportedly sent a collection of precious items, including four Night Pearls from the Ming Dynasty. One palace lady, however, refused to hand over the treasures and secretly hid them among the people. The location of these pearls became a long-standing mystery until decades later, when they were discovered in Xi’an and confirmed by scholar Guo Moruo. According to reports, the pearls emitted a soft white glow when the drawer was opened, illuminating the room without any other light source.
Although the Night Pearl is rare and difficult to mine, modern studies have shown that its glow comes from specific minerals like fluorite. In Guangdong, researchers Huo Yongzhen and Xiao Minglin discovered a glowing fluorite in a tungsten deposit. These stones displayed vibrant colors such as green, purple, blue, and brown, with the light brown variety glowing most prominently. At night, the glow could be seen up to three meters away, and even helped read newspaper text. Under UV light, the fluorite changed color, showing pale green or deep purple hues. Though the particles were small, they provided crucial clues for finding larger, more usable specimens.
Experts believe the glow may result from the interaction of arsenic sulfide and hydrocarbons within the fluorite. During the day, these substances absorb energy, which is then released at night as light. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear, and many mysteries about the Night Pearl still remain unsolved. Some stories tell of crystals that emit a flame-like glow, but the precise substances responsible are unknown. Despite scientific progress, the Night Pearl continues to captivate people, remaining a fascinating and enigmatic treasure.
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