Laser-induced time resolved luminescence of natural grossular Ca3Al2(SiO4)3

Natural grossular samples from Franklin, NJ Sierra de Cruces Range, Coahuila, Mexico, Asbestos, Canada and Africa (Mali) have been studied by laser-induced time-resolved luminescence techniques. The specific combinations of luminescence and excitation spectra together with luminescence decay times enabled their interpretation as Mn2+, Mn3+, Mn4+, V2+, Ni2+ and REE3+ emission centers. Such conclusions have been partly supported by luminescence study of artificial garnets activated by the corresponding potential emission centers.