Franklin / Sterling Hill
Curated by Maggie Liu · Updated:
Franklin and adjoining Sterling Hill, New Jersey, are world-famous as the “Fluorescent Mineral Capital” — a zinc orebody extraordinarily rich in mineral species.
About Franklin / Sterling Hillextended article
Franklin and neighbouring Sterling Hill in New Jersey are world-famous as the 'Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World' and the type locality for dozens of mineral species.
A unique zinc deposit
The Franklin–Sterling Hill zinc orebody was metamorphosed under extreme conditions, creating an assemblage found almost nowhere else on Earth — more than 350 mineral species, around 90 of them first described here.
Fluorescent classics
The signature specimens are franklinite, willemite and zincite in white calcite: under ultraviolet light the willemite glows brilliant green and the calcite fluoresces red, the defining display of fluorescent mineralogy. Sharp franklinite octahedra and red zincite are especially collectable.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Franklin / Sterling Hill?
Franklin / Sterling Hill is a mineral locality in New Jersey, USA. It lies at approximately 41.1200°N, 74.5800°W. Elevation is about 200 m.
What minerals are found at Franklin / Sterling Hill?
Signature minerals from Franklin / Sterling Hill include Calcite, Willemite, Franklinite, Zincite, Rhodonite. The locality lies in New Jersey, USA, and each mineral links to a full reference entry with formula, crystal system, and collector notes.
What is Franklin / Sterling Hill known for?
Franklin and adjoining Sterling Hill, New Jersey, are world-famous as the “Fluorescent Mineral Capital” — a zinc orebody extraordinarily rich in mineral species.
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