Apophyllite crystals from Millington Quarry, NJ, USA, Gerd Tremmel collection – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
Apophyllite crystals from the Millington Quarry, New Jersey, USA, from the Gerd Tremmel collection. The specimen displays an attractive cluster of pale beige to slightly yellowish Apophyllite crystals, densely grouped on a gray to dark gray fine- to medium-grained matrix. The crystals are mostly well formed, showing clearly developed prismatic shapes with flat, locally translucent crystal faces. In the central area, several crystals occur in a parallel arrangement, creating a lively and three-dimensional appearance. The contrast between the light-colored crystals and the darker matrix gives the specimen a balanced, classic look, making it a representative cabinet-size specimen from this well-known locality.
Geology & Origin
Apophyllite is a hydrous potassium-calcium silicate that typically forms in cavities of basic igneous rocks such as basalt. The Millington Quarry in New Jersey, USA, is a classic North American locality for Apophyllite and associated zeolite minerals. The crystals formed secondarily within fractures and cavities that were lined by hydrothermal fluids. This locality is especially known for well-developed, aesthetic Apophyllite crystals and holds historical significance for zeolite research in the United States.