NEW JERSEY
State Rock: NONE
State Dinosaur: Hadrosaurus foulkii (1991)
Top contenders for the State Rock are Franlinite and Prehnite.
Franklinite, which contains zinc, iron, and manganese was mined in great quantity from colonial times up till the early 20th century.
Franklinite is dark black, has a reddish brown streak and a metallic luster. It is found in massive, granular and, occasionally, in crystallized forms. The crystal system is cubic (isometric) and the mineral is slightly magnetic.
Prehnite contains calcium and aluminium and forms as a result of low grade metamorphism usually from hydrothermal solutions. The crystals are often found as thick crusts within cavities of igneous rocks.
Prehnite is usually a translucent light green, but can be grey, white or colorless.
New Jersey is one of the best states for rockhounding due to a long history of high quality minerals and gemstones.
Southern New Jersey is noted for its amber and Cape May Diamonds which are actually just weathered quartz crystals.
Beaches and old quarries are the best places to rockhound.
These are a few of the things you may want to take along with you on your dig:
A small, handheld garden rake
A handheld trowel
Knee pads or an old cushion to kneel/sit on
A bucket, for holding your finds
Newspaper or grocery bags to wrap and protect your crystals
While digging crystals you will probably be outside for a long time. You may want to bring:
Water
Snacks
A wide hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray, and a small first aid kit (Quartz can be sharp!)
MINE INFORMATON
Franklin, New Jersey, and its close neighbor, Ogdensburg, are the homes of the world’s most famous zinc mines.
They operate these digs several times per year, and they are open to the public. Check out their Facebook page HERE.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- UV Flashlight
HOURS
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A CREEK IN NEW JERSEY
Disclaimer
Please note that rock collecting locations are always changing so be sure to check with the site owner for the most current information before going.
Dig safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect rocks.