CANTON -- The St. Lawrence County Rock & Mineral Club's will host a kids fluorescent mineral hunt at the Canton pavilion, 90 Lincoln St. Friday evening, Aug. 25.

Certain minerals fluoresce (glow) when exposed to ultraviolet ("black") light.

For example, some of the white tremolite from the Gouverneur talc mines fluoresces a bright orange color when viewed under black light. Other minerals glow red, or green, or blue, or purple.

The St. Lawrence Co. Rock & Mineral Club guarantees that samples of these minerals will be available for kids to find. Each child (age 11 or under) will be able to borrow a portable black light to use in the search. Kids will be allowed to keep the minerals that they find.

The purpose of this activity it to develop kids' interest in rocks and minerals. There is no charge for them to participate.

The hunt begins at dark, around 8:30 p.m., and will continue until all children have been able to find some fluorescent minerals. This activity takes place in conjunction with the St. Lawrence Co. Rock & Mineral Club's 51st Gem & Mineral Show & Swap on Aug. 26 and 27.

Rockhounds from several northeastern states and southeastern provinces will be setting up for the Saturday and Sunday show, and will offer part of their extensive collection for sale to the public.

Admission is free.

For more information, visit the club’s website at StLawrenceCountyMineralClub.Org, or contact Bill deLorraine at 315-287-4652 or wdellie@gmail.com.

Proceeds from our show benefit club sponsored minerology scholarships at SUNY Potsdam and St. Lawrence University.