Natrolite

Unknown Owner

A large thick grouping of semi lustrous slightly translucent natrolite crystals. In good condition with very minimal damage present. Impressive crystal size for the species. From a classic find in 1973.In the early 1970s a remarkable pocket of large natrolite crystals was discovered at the Chimney Rock Quarry near Bound Brook in Somerset County, New Jersey. The quarry was operated for traprock used as crushed stone, and collectors occasionally gained access to fresh exposures. During quarrying operations a cavity in the basalt was opened that contained exceptionally large and well formed natrolite crystals. Many of the crystals were long, slender, and transparent, with some exceeding 20 cm in length. The discovery quickly became well known among mineral collectors, and specimens from the find are considered among the finest natrolite crystals ever recovered in North America.