The Interstate 80 (I80) roadcut was put through during 1969 and 1970 not far from the centre of Paterson, New Jersey, USA an area long-known for having produced fine quality zeolites and Prehnite. Not surprisingly, the blasting and excavations through the First Watchung basalt exposed some excellent mineralization and this cabinet-sized Prehnite is testament to this. Ex David Hardman Collection, who obtained it not long after this discovery, this thin plate of basalt is richly coated in pale green-grey rosetted clusters of Prehnite crystals aggregated together to form an extensive crust. Although not gemmy, the Prehnite crystals are nicely defined and represents a very fine piece from this very short-lived discovery.
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