A Different Sterling Hill Mine Calcite and Willemite Amalgamation
Contributed by: FMS Admin
Date: Feb 23rd, 2026
Locality: Passaic pit (Marshall Mine; Passaic Mine), Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 4 x 3 x 5 inches
Weight: 1.75 lb
Description:
Sterling Hill calcite and willemite are known for their very bright fluorescence. This piece does not disappoint as the core displays brightly fluorescing [under shortwave ultraviolet exposure] calcite [orange] with non-fluorescing crystals of franklinite. So far, no different than other ore from this location. This piece differs in that three surfaces have a thin coating of mud colored willemite which fluoresces a more civilized [than usual], almost pastel like green. I tried scrubbing the coating with soap and water and none of the coating was removed. I suppose that a wire brush would scrape some off, but it would also scrape off skin if used on your arm. And you would not do that.
The specimen was self-collected in the Passaic Pit.
Shortwave pictures were taken at ISO_100, f/11 for 2 seconds.
Originally posted by John Rofrano on Nature's Rainbows.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green