Fluorapophyllite-K

specimen number:
2102148

location:
Millington Quarry, Somerset Co., New Jersey, USA

description:
Colorless crystals of fluorapophyllite measuring to 1.5 cm in size across this pocket on one side of matrix. In good condition. Nice for the species from this New Jersey locality.

The Millington Quarry, located in Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, was a prominent aggregate operation situated within the First Watchung Mountain. Geologically, the quarry exploited the Jurassic-aged Orange Mountain Basalt, a massive volcanic flow formed during the rifting of Pangea. The basalt contains numerous vesicles and fractures that provided the ideal geochemical environment for the precipitation of secondary minerals from hydrothermal fluids, including a wide array of zeolites, prehnite, and exceptionally large crystals of apophyllite and calcite. Historically, the quarry began operations in the late 1800s and served as a vital source of crushed stone for regional infrastructure for over a century. Mining activity continued through several changes in ownership until the quarry officially ceased production around 2007. Following its closure, the site became the focus of significant land reclamation and redevelopment efforts. It remains a legendary locality among mineralogists for the high quality and diversity of the specimens recovered during its long history of operation.

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