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]