LUMINESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY OF THE EARTH

The first attempt to consider global radiation luminescence fields (spheres) of the Earth has been undertaken. In general four types of luminescent fields characterize the superficial geospheres. (1) Luminescence of organic and bioorganic substances comprising the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere and the technosphere, being a unique distinguishing property of our planet in the Universe. (2) Recombination luminescence of key rock-forming minerals (feldspar, quartz, carbonates) that is characteristic of the granite and sedimentary layers occupying some 30% of the Earth's crust. (3) Photoluminescence of dozens of ironless minerals in so-called fluorescence anomalies formed with the help of fluids ascending along fractures and faults to the surface of the Earth. While ascending they accumulate many rare metal elements including transition ones. Entering crystal lattices of ironless mineral-dielectrics these metals form centres of luminescence. (4) Artificial luminescent materials created in the technosphere in the 20th century. The main types have origins in natural luminophors. So, in every field of application of photo-, thermo, cathode-, electro-, X-ray-luminophors and laser crystals they have many analogues among the luminescent minerals.