Laumontite

specimen number:
2102223

location:
Prospect Park, Paterson, New Jersey, USA

description:
A loose grouping of prismatic laumontite crystals without matrix. Nice example for the species from this area.

The Prospect Park Quarry, also known as the Vandermade Quarry, is a classic mineral locality situated in Prospect Park, Passaic County, New Jersey. Geologically, the quarry exploited the First Watchung Mountain, a massive Early Jurassic basalt flow within the Newark Basin. The site is famous for its secondary mineral cavities where hydrothermal fluids deposited a rich variety of zeolites and associated species, including prehnite, datolite, pectolite, and stilbite, often occurring in spectacular crystallized pockets. Historically, the quarry was a major producer of crushed stone and trap rock for regional infrastructure from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century. While industrial operations were the primary driver, the quarry became a legendary destination for mineral collectors who recovered world-class specimens during the peak years of excavation. Although active quarrying has long since ceased and much of the area has been repurposed for residential development, Prospect Park remains a hallmark locality in American mineralogy, with its distinctive green prehnite and white zeolite specimens featured in prominent museum collections.

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