Prehnite ("finger" casts after Anhydrite) (ex Brian Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

The various occurences in the New Jersey Trap Rocks have produced what are some of the finest Prehnite specimens extant. Many of these Prehnites occur in the form of "casts" or epimorphs replacing Anhydrite. In 1986 a famous single discovery of these casts was made in West Paterson when excavation was being done for a sewer pumping station. The now well known "Pumping Station" Prehnites are some of the best quality and eye-catching specimens from any disovery in New Jersey. Due to the incredible amount of mineralization in this area, it is very likely that Prehnites and other associated specimens are virtually everywhere underground, and it was often the case that discoveries were only made during road construction projects or excavations. Collecting often takes during a very brief period before the area is completely covered over, and inaccessible. This particular specimen is a great representative "Pumping Station" Prehnite showing the classic "finger"-shaped casts after preexisting Anhydrite. As a matter of act, when you turn the specimen over, you can see the blocky, somewhat striated "holes" where the Anhydrite once grew, and is now completely replaced by Prehnite. The quality on this piece is wonderful from the standpoint of color and gemminess, and is the cast with many of these well-known Prehnites, the luster is certainly notable. The main "finger" on this specimen is completely undamaged, and the piece can be displayed from several angles as you can see from the photos. A worthwhile display specimen of this famous material.