Table of Contents

• From the Editor—On the Other Hand: New Jersey’s “Other” Fluorescent Minerals—Part 1 by Howie Green 1–2
• The Canfield Phosphate Mine by Stephen Tapsak 3–7
• Lake Valhalla Diopside by Bob Batic 7–10
• Beemerville Sodalite by Howie Green 11–14
• The Lime Crest Quarry, Sparta, NJ by Steven M. Kuitems 15–23
• The Edison Mine, Sparta Township, N.J. by Mark Boyer 24–28

From the Editor—On the Other Hand: New Jersey’s “Other” Fluorescent Minerals—Part 1

By Howie Green · pp. 1–2

New Jersey’s fluorescent minerals outside the Franklin and Sterling Hill district take center stage in this issue-opening reflection. Drawing on philosophical ideas about “otherness,” the editor considers how collectors have historically viewed fluorescent minerals from elsewhere, then argues that New Jersey’s other localities deserve appreciation on their own terms. The piece frames the region’s varied geology, collectible specimens, and accessible collecting history as valuable subjects distinct from the state’s better-known Franklin-Ogdensburg mineral suite.

The Canfield Phosphate Mine

By Stephen Tapsak · pp. 3–7

The Canfield Phosphate Mine in Morris County was a small late-19th-century attempt to exploit an apatite-rich magnetite deposit for fertilizer. The article places the site in the New Jersey Highlands, recounts early geological reports and unsuccessful efforts to develop the ore, and summarizes its mineralogy. Fluorapatite is the principal collectible fluorescent mineral, commonly glowing pale pink to orange-pink under midwave ultraviolet light; rare-earth impurities are suggested as the cause. The author also encourages exploration of fluorapatite at other New Jersey iron mines.

Lake Valhalla Diopside

By Bob Batic · pp. 7–10

Lake Valhalla in Montville Township is known for its historic serpentine quarry and strongly fluorescent diopside. The article describes the quarry’s history, present-day location and access restrictions, then surveys notable minerals collected or documented there. Serpentine occurs in varied colors and forms, sometimes with chrysotile veins, while phlogopite and the uncommon white material called “gurhofite” are also discussed. Diopside, once found in crystals and now more often in massive blocks, produces a blue response under shortwave ultraviolet light.

Beemerville Sodalite

By Howie Green · pp. 11–14

The Beemerville alkaline intrusion in Sussex County hosts sodalite-bearing nepheline syenite in wooded outcrops near Wantage Township. This account combines the author’s collecting history with a description of the site and its associated minerals, including orthoclase, aegirine, biotite, cancrinite, zircon and fluorite. Beemerville sodalite produces a striking deep-orange glow under longwave ultraviolet LEDs, although its identification as sodalite rather than hackmanite remains unresolved. The article also notes uncertainty about reported cancrinite and explains that the locality has been used for specimen collecting.

The Lime Crest Quarry, Sparta, NJ

By Steven M. Kuitems · pp. 15–23

Lime Crest Quarry exposes Franklin Marble and overlying microcline gneiss in Sparta Township, with both units yielding collectible minerals. The article outlines the quarry’s history and offers practical guidance for recognizing mineral-rich textures, cavities, veins and contact zones in large boulders. It surveys fluorescent species from the site, including scapolite, norbergite, calcite, diopside, corundum, fluoborite, fluorite, barite, tremolite, tourmaline-group minerals and others. Their responses vary by species and specimen, with examples under shortwave, midwave and longwave ultraviolet illumination.

The Edison Mine, Sparta Township, N.J.

By Mark Boyer · pp. 24–28

The abandoned Edison iron mines on Sparta Mountain have produced notable specimens of fluorescent fluorite and apatite associated with magnetite and feldspar. The account describes the characteristic shortwave responses—white for fluorite and golden yellow for apatite—and highlights specimens in which crude apatite crystals are enclosed in fluorite. Historical photographs and specimen examples illustrate the locality’s mineralogy and collecting legacy, including material collected by Joe Orosz. The author cautions that the old workings and unstable ground are dangerous and that collecting is prohibited.