Apatite - Franklin, NJ

Description

A large miniature of apatite and garnet. Here we have a classic specimen  of two minerals of interest, apatite, and garnet. "Apatite" is a field term for unidentified calcium phosphate members of the apatite group. This particular apatite has NOT been analyzed, but it is likely the more common fluorapatite. The apatite is a medium to pale green with a semi-vitreous luster. Associated with the apatite are sections and grains of semi-vitreous orange-brown garnet throughout the matrix. This specimen is a classic calc-silicate assemblage from the Franklin mine. The calc-silicate assemblage is considered a metamorphic rock mainly composed of calc-silicate minerals, such as diopside, grossular-andradite, augite, clinozoisite-epidote, and wollastonite, and containing less than 5% vol. of carbonate minerals (usually dolomite or calcite). Formed by the metamorphism of impure limestone or dolostone and is related to skarns. Skarn was applied to this assemblage in the olden mining days, though that has somewhat fallen out of favor. More information can be gleaned from here, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skarn. This type of assemblage was prevalent in the Franklin mine, and it hosted a large variety of associated mineral species such as rhodonite, garnet, and quartz, among others.
This is a good example of a classic assemblage from the Franklin mine.
The matrix also consists of grains and sections of black, metallic franklinite, grains and sections of white to pale gray willemite, and minor amounts of pink, vitreous bustamite, and white calcite. The apatite fluoresces a moderate orange, willemite a bright green, and the calcite a bright red under shortwave (254nm) ultraviolet light. The specimen sits nicely for an optimal display.
Dimensions are
7.4x8.4x6.6cm - 3x3¼x2½in.
Please note the centimeter cube and inch bar for scale.
Weight in grams and ounces:
602.7g - 21.26oz.
From the
Franklin mine, Franklin, NJ.
The previous collection this specimen was is #2, Clifton 2005 Show.
#2 is the museum's Collection Sale number previously offered in the museum shop.
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All potential buyers need to be aware that being able to view fluorescent minerals requires an ultraviolet lamp. Most of the minerals from the Franklin and Sterling Hill zinc mining district fluoresce under
shortwave ultraviolet light
.
The shortwave wavelength is
254nm
or otherwise known as
UV C
. Always read the description carefully to determine if the main mineral of interest for a particular specimen will fluoresce.
ALL
fluorescent minerals depicted in our storefront are illuminated by two (2) 9 watt Triple short/mid/longwave AC Model 9SM-110 Way Too Cool LLC ultraviolet lamps, and the shortwave tubes and filters were replaced in late 2018.
There are several available brands and models of ultraviolet lights on eBay and other online sources. For further information on ultraviolet light and fluorescent minerals, copy and paste the following and go to >>>
geology.com/articles/fluorescent-minerals
.
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DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort was made to identify the mineral species noted in each specimen accurately. The occasional label from previous collection(s) may misidentify some species, and the current title and description here reflect the latest mineral species identification.
A modest effort was made to depict a fluorescent specimen accurately as possible.
In some cases, overexposure should be expected in select photographs to compensate for a fluorescent specimen's weak response.
All buyers should exercise safe viewing practices regarding the use of ultraviolet light. Visual dark adaption is highly recommended in the optimal viewing of fluorescent minerals. Buyers should also be aware of what type of lighting to view the specimens under. This can result in perceived differences of color and contrast due to color and contrast shifting under various kinds of lights available.
All photographs were taken with a Nikon D5300 digital camera with a Nikon DX AF-S 18-55mm lens attached with a UV filter. Lighting was done with a pair of OSRAM 8.5 watt LED A19 5000K 800 lumens bulbs in brushed aluminum reflectors. The photographs were processed on a color-calibrated flat panel monitor. Do note the Imperial measurement conversion is the nearest equivalent to the listed metric measurement.
--- All photographs appearing on this listing or any other Franklin Mineral Museum listing are the property of the Franklin Mineral Museum. Photographs
can be used strictly for personal use onl
y
. Otherwise, the photographs posted here are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws. They are not to be downloaded or reproduced for public use or distribution in any way without the written permission of the Franklin Mineral Museum. ---