Rhodonite with Calcite, Franklinite - image 1

Rhodonite with Calcite, Franklinite

Unknown Owner

Attractive pink crystals of rhodonite measuring to 2.0 typical of these this is not perfect, but there are many fine sharp crystals exhibited. Great color contrast with the matrix. Cm in size throughout a calcite matrix with black crystals of franklinite. Today Franklin, New Jersey sits atop one of the richest zinc ore bodies in the world and was mined for iron and zinc from the 1700s through the mid 20th century. Early iron mining and smelting around Franklin Furnace gave way to commercial zinc mining in the 1800s, and by 1897 most operations were consolidated under the New Jersey Zinc Company. The mining boom brought many immigrant workers and helped grow the town. Franklin became famous for its diverse and fluorescent mineral species, and the Franklin Mine operated until the 1950s. Today the old mine is preserved as the Franklin Mineral Museum celebrating the area history and minerals. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video and dates to the early 20th century.