Prehnite (finger "casts") (2010 find)

Item Description

During the latter half of 2010, one of the most significant Prehnite discoveries in history was made at the famous Prospect Park Quarry in New Jersey. Some impressive and attractive Prehnite "finger"-shaped "casts" were found. I use the term "casts" as there is some debate as to whether the term epimorph or perimorph should be used to describe them. The best of these specimens have incredibly good luster, form, color and size, and are certainly among the best found. These "casts" are well known from New Jersey, as they are some of the most distinctive Prehnites in the world. The specimens formed as the Prehnite covered preexisting crystals of Anhydrite, which eventually was dissolved away, leaving the hollow Prehnite "casts", which formed in attractive "fingers". This piece is a lovely small cabinet sized display specimen featuring a predominant, somewhat lustrous, beautiful green color "finger" of Prehnite measuring 4.1 cm long with a notable hollow "cast" of Anhydrite on the underside of the piece. There are additional surrounding Prehnite "casts" or partial "casts" on the piece as well, but the main "finger" is the focal point. The color is a bit more green depending upon the light in which it is viewed. Under halogen lighting, it shows a lighter hue, but under fluorescent lighting, the green color is stronger. A really cool and eye-catching specimen from this historic discovery at the Prospect Park Quarry. It must be noted that this locality will soon be defunct, and will sadly no longer produce specimens like these.