Detailed information
Species
Spinel, Calcite
Dimensions
40 x 37 x 29
mm
Locality
Franklin Mining District Sussex County New Jersey, USA
Condition
No recorded repairs
Franklin mine in New Jersey needs no introduction and this fabulous Spinel crystal will make a great addition to any collection centred on this most famous locality. The Spinel forms a perfect octahedral crystal, its lower four faces remaining embedded in the white Calcite matrix. Its upper pyramidal edges measure 1.8 cm and are all razor-sharp. Two faces are mirror-smooth while two display a rougher texture, mainly due to interruptions produced by growth patterns. The crystal appears jet-black and at first could be mistaken for Franklinite, but close inspection reveals it to be intensely dark inky blue. A fine and quite rare example of well crystallized Spinel from the Franklin mining district in Sussex County, New Jersey, USA.
