| abstract |
The invention relates to fluorescence standards, and particularly to fluorescence standards for calibrating optical detectors. According to the invention a fluorescent mineral, or mixtures of minerals, are utilized for use as a fluorescence standard. The fluorescent mineral can be a naturally occurring mineral, or a synthetically produced mineral. Preferred fluorescent minerals for use as fluorescent standards are corundum, fluorite, turquoise, amber, zirconium, zoisite, iolithe, or cordierite, respectively, spinel, topaz, calcium fluorite, sphalerite, calcite, apatite, scheelite, or tungsten, respectively, willemite, feldspar, sodalite, a uranium mineral, an Al 3+ containing mineral, and particularly ruby and sapphire. A sample plate (10) for receiving a fluorescent mineral (12b, 14b) or a substance containing a fluorescent mineral is likewise disclosed. |