Natrolite with Calcite- rare USA locale

Item Description

One of the most famous of the socalled traprock quarries in New Jersey, the Millington Quarry opened in 1895 and existed for over 100 years. One phase saw it reopen in the late 1970's, during which time a large number of interesting specimens were produced. This very attractive piece has a fabulous cluster of chalk-white, prismatic, crystals of Natrolite, the longest of which reaches an impressive 2.9 cm. Tucked within these virtual 'pick-up sticks' are several sharp, golden-grey Calcite rhombs, all on basalt. The bright white Natrolites are amazingly uniform in color, and really look as if they were expertly carved out of the finest chalk. Most of these are complete, and the overall aesthetics of this large miniature are both unusual and excellent. Crystallized natrolites are simply not common.