Prehnite Crystal Upper New Street Quarry New Jersey USA Specimen

Prehnite – Upper New Street Quarry, West Paterson, New Jersey, USA

This Prehnite crystal from the historic Upper New Street Quarry in West Paterson (now Woodland Park), New Jersey, USA is a genuine natural mineral specimen, carefully selected for its formation, colour, and locality significance. The photographs in the listing show the exact specimen you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing and scale details.

Each crystal includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine prehnite specimen from this classic American mineral locality.

Mineral Species & Crystal Structure

Prehnite is a calcium aluminium silicate mineral with the chemical formula Ca₂Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂. It crystallises in the orthorhombic crystal system, though distinct crystal faces are relatively uncommon. More frequently, prehnite forms botryoidal (grape-like), globular, stalactitic, or radiating aggregates.

Prehnite has a Mohs hardness of approximately 6–6.5 and displays a vitreous to pearly lustre. It is typically translucent to semi-transparent and is well known for its soft green to yellow-green colouration.

Specimens from Upper New Street Quarry are often associated with basalt-hosted cavities and are regarded as classic examples of American trap rock mineralisation.

Colour, Transparency & Natural Characteristics

This specimen displays the characteristic pale green to apple-green tones commonly associated with prehnite from New Jersey trap rock deposits. Colour intensity may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions and crystal thickness.

Prehnite frequently occurs as rounded, botryoidal clusters lining cavities within basalt. The smooth, curved surfaces reflect light softly, enhancing its natural lustre. Minor internal inclusions, natural surface variations, or contact points are typical and reflect authentic geological formation.

In some cases, prehnite from this locality may be associated with other minerals such as datolite, apophyllite, calcite, or zeolite-group minerals, depending on the specific pocket of origin.

The specimen has not been dyed or artificially enhanced and remains in its natural state.

Geological Origin – Upper New Street Quarry

The Upper New Street Quarry in West Paterson, New Jersey is a historically significant mineral locality within the Watchung Mountains trap rock formations. These formations consist of basalt flows formed during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic period as part of the Newark Basin rift system.

Gas bubbles within the basalt lava created vesicles and cavities. Over time, mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids circulated through these openings, depositing secondary minerals such as prehnite along cavity walls. This environment allowed prehnite to develop in its characteristic botryoidal and globular habits.

Specimens from this quarry are highly regarded among collectors due to the locality’s historical importance and classic mineral associations.

Collecting, Display & Educational Value

Prehnite from Upper New Street Quarry is sought after by collectors of American minerals and trap rock specimens. Its soft green colour and smooth botryoidal structure make it visually appealing for cabinet display.

In some traditions, prehnite is traditionally associated with calm reflection and inner harmony; however, it is primarily valued as a naturally formed mineral specimen and a representative example of secondary mineral formation within basalt cavities.

This carefully chosen piece makes an excellent addition to mineral collections, geology displays, or as a distinctive gift for enthusiasts of classic USA mineral localities.

Authenticity & Presentation

• Genuine Prehnite Crystal
• Upper New Street Quarry, West Paterson, New Jersey, USA
• Orthorhombic crystal system
• Natural, untreated mineral specimen
• Classic basalt cavity formation
• Exact specimen shown in listing photographs
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
• Full measurements available in listing images

A carefully selected prehnite specimen from one of New Jersey’s most historic mineral localities, representing the geological heritage of the Newark Basin trap rock formations.