Franklin, NJ (UV)

The Franklin and Sterling Hill mining districts in New Jersey are renowned for their exceptional mineral specimens, particularly those exhibiting vibrant fluorescence. These deposits have yielded over 300 distinct mineral species, many of which are unique to the area. Among the most notable minerals are franklinite, willemite, and zincite. Franklinite, a black oxide mineral, serves as the ore from which zinc is extracted. Willemite, typically green, and zincite, red, are both fluorescent under ultraviolet light, making them highly prized among collectors. Other significant minerals from the region include sphalerite, calcite, and hardystonite, the latter of which fluoresces blue under shortwave UV light. The Franklin Mineral Museum houses an extensive collection of these specimens, offering a unique opportunity to observe the area’s geological diversity and the captivating fluorescence of its minerals.