Pargasite and Diopside - Franklin Quarry, Franklin, New Jersey

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: 69K-DJM
Date: May 23rd, 2026
Locality: Franklin Quarry, Franklin, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 64 x 25 x 79 mm
Weight: 219 g

Description:
This rock contains large grains of green pargasite and grey, white diopside, and is quite attractive under both UV and visible light. It also contains minor brassy grains of pyrite. It was collected from the Franklin marble of the Franklin Quarry, Franklin, New Jersey (not to be confused with the famous Franklin Mine).

The pargasite shows a green response and the diopside fluoresces blue under short wave UV (254 nm).

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2022.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Diopside (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Blue

• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green