A plantlike organism that forms a low, crusty growth on damp rocks and similar moist, firm substrate, Alpin glowing lichen is named for the bioluminescent compounds found in the lichen’s cyanobacterial component. These bacteria are capable of slowly breaking down minerals and absorbing them and the colour of the lichen’s glow depends on the combination of minerals absorbed. The lichen will glow dimly in naturally dark environments, but will fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light. Miners have been known to use the glowing lichen as an indicator of what minerals are present in a particular area.

Alpin glowing lichen is quite a hardy organism, able to survive extended periods with minimal water by entering a dormant state which enables the lichen to survive up to a year without water. During the dormant phase, the lichen is without its glow and can be hard to distinguish from any of the myriad lichen species it shares its environment with. Once it has access to sufficient water, the lichen can rehydrate and regain normal function in as little as half-an-hour.