Franklin Mineral Museum
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Geology and mining museum at the former Franklin Mine, one of the world's finest permanent exhibits of fluorescent minerals. Visitors can collect specimens at the museum's collecting areas. Open April-November, Wednesday through Sunday.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Franklinite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Zincite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Calcite
Common but versatile carbonate mineral that forms in many crystal habits. Found in geodes, cave deposits, and veins throughout the US.
Also found at:
Hardystonite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
📍 Nearby Locations in New Jersey
Franklin Furnace / Sterling Hill
Franklin/Ogdensburg, New Jersey · Museum
World-famous for fluorescent minerals. Over 340 minerals identified here including 35 type localities. Sterling Hill Mining Museum offers public colle...
Cape May County (Cape May Diamonds)
Cape May, New Jersey · Public Land
Beachcombing for 'Cape May diamonds' — clear quartz pebbles worn smooth by the ocean. Found along Cape May beaches after storms.
New Jersey Zeolite Beds (Watchung)
Watchung, New Jersey · Public Land
Watchung basalt flows for zeolite minerals, prehnite, and quartz. Road cuts and exposures in the First Watchung Mountain area.
Paterson Quarry / Lambert Castle
Paterson, New Jersey · Public Land
Historic quarry in Paterson for prehnite, zeolites, and quartz crystals. A classic New Jersey mineral collecting locality.
Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park
Sewell, New Jersey · Museum
A large marl pit operated by Rowan University where visitors can search for amber and Cretaceous fossils. 72-million-year-old fossil beds with shells,...
Prospect Park Quarry
Prospect Park, New Jersey · quarry
Historic traprock quarry known for spectacular banded agate, amethyst, and dozens of mineral varieties including some fluorescent species. Access requ...
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Franklin Mineral Museum with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35