Shortwave UV Flashlights | UltraFire

Some things only show up under shortwave UV.

Some fluorescent minerals glow only under 254nm. Ordinary light and longwave UV can miss them.

Illustration. Real glow varies by mineral and specimen.

Why Shortwave

Same rock, different glow

The same mineral can glow a different color, or not glow at all, under 254nm, 310nm and 365nm. Calcite and fluorite are two minerals collectors check this way.

Collectors carry two lights

That is why collectors carry a shortwave light alongside a longwave one. One wavelength can miss what the other shows.

Work in the dark

Fluorescence is the signal you are looking for. Room light washes it out, so use the light in a dark environment.

Compare Wavelengths

254nm UVC Shortwave310nm UVB Mid-wave365nm UVA Longwave
What it reveals Fluorescent minerals that respond to shortwave UVC, such as calcite and fluorite. Responses that sit between shortwave and longwave. Used for specialized mineral detection and scientific analysis. Minerals that respond to longwave UVA. The usual companion to a shortwave light.
Best for Rockhounding, fluorescent mineral detection, professional inspection. Scientific research, chemical analysis, advanced mineral identification. Carrying alongside a shortwave light.
Our light ZV PRO-254nm – $39.92
ZV-254nm – $32.98
ZV PRO-310nm – $38.32
ZV-310nm – $32.98
RUV3 365nm – $49.99 (10W, ZWB2 filter, 4.5-hour runtime)
502UV PRO – $25.99 (15W, 365nm/395nm LEDs, ZWB2 filter)
Longwave lights are not part of this series.

310nm is mid-wave. It is included here because it sits between shortwave and longwave.

What To Expect

The beam looks dim. That is normal. The glow of the mineral is the result.

A 254nm beam looks dim to the eye
This is how the wavelength behaves. It does not mean the light is weak.
Judge the glow, not the beam
What matters is what the mineral does under the light, not how bright the beam looks.
The ZWB2 filter blocks visible light
The black filter lens lets only UV through, so the lit spot looks faint.
Darkness shows it best
Use a dark room or go out at night. In a lit room the glow is hard to see.

The Series

UltraFire ZV PRO-254nm UV Flashlight

UltraFire ZV PRO-254nm UV Flashlight

$39.92

  • True 254nm shortwave UVC beam
  • ZWB2 black filter lens blocks visible light
  • USB rechargeable, CNC-machined aluminum
  • [TO CONFIRM: runtime] [TO CONFIRM: battery]

Best for: Exciting fluorescent minerals such as calcite and fluorite.

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UltraFire ZV-254nm UV Flashlight

UltraFire ZV-254nm UV Flashlight

$32.98

  • True 254nm shortwave UVC beam
  • ZWB2 UV filter
  • 5W high-power output, CNC-machined
  • [TO CONFIRM: runtime] [TO CONFIRM: battery] [TO CONFIRM: charging]

Best for: Rockhounding, fluorescent mineral detection, professional inspection.

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UltraFire ZV PRO-310nm UV Flashlight

UltraFire ZV PRO-310nm UV Flashlight

$38.32

  • True 310nm UVB beam (mid-wave)
  • 5W, 80mW radiant flux
  • ZWB2 filter, USB rechargeable
  • [TO CONFIRM: runtime] [TO CONFIRM: battery]

Best for: Specialized mineral detection and scientific analysis.

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UltraFire ZV-310nm UV Flashlight

UltraFire ZV-310nm UV Flashlight

$32.98

  • True 310nm UVB beam (mid-wave)
  • ZWB2 filter, single mode
  • Imported 5W high-power chip
  • [TO CONFIRM: runtime] [TO CONFIRM: battery] [TO CONFIRM: charging]

Best for: Scientific research, chemical analysis, advanced mineral identification.

View Product

See It Glow

Normal light
Under 254nm
Under 365nm

These are illustrations, not photos. The same mineral can glow a different color, or not at all, under each wavelength. Results vary by specimen. [TO CONFIRM: replace with real dark-room photos]

Use It Safely

  • Wear UV protective eyewear.
  • Do not shine the light at eyes, skin, people, or animals.
  • Keep the beam on the rock or surface you are checking.

Complete The Kit

UV Safety Glasses

Wear UV protective eyewear any time you use a UV light.

[TO CONFIRM: UV Safety Glasses product URL]

Two-Light Kit

One 254nm light for shortwave and one 310nm light for mid-wave.

[BUNDLE IDEA — no bundle product exists yet, do not link a buy button to it]

FAQ

Why does the beam look dim?

A 254nm beam looks dim to the human eye. That is normal. The ZWB2 filter also blocks visible light, so only UV gets through. The glow of the mineral is the result, not the brightness of the beam. A dark room shows it best.

What is the difference between 254nm, 310nm, and 365nm?

254nm is UVC, or shortwave. 310nm is UVB, or mid-wave, and sits between shortwave and longwave. 365nm is UVA, or longwave. The same mineral can glow a different color, or not glow at all, under each one.

Do I need protective eyewear?

Yes. Wear UV protective eyewear and avoid direct exposure to your eyes and skin. Do not shine the light at people or animals.

What is the ZWB2 filter for?

The ZWB2 is a black filter lens. It blocks visible light so only UV gets through. What you see is the mineral’s glow, not the light itself.

Which light should a mineral collector start with?

Many collectors carry a shortwave light and a longwave light together. For shortwave, a 254nm light is the usual starting point for minerals such as calcite and fluorite: the ZV-254nm ($32.98) or the ZV PRO-254nm ($39.92). For longwave, see the RUV3 365nm ($49.99) or the 502UV PRO ($25.99).

How long does the battery last?

[TO CONFIRM: runtime]

Shortwave UV shows what ordinary light and longwave can miss.

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