Stilbite (ex Robert Batic Collection)

Item Description

The Fanwood Quarry (sometimes called the Weldon Quarry) is a large quarry in the First Watchung Mountain, which has been owned and operated by the Weldon family since the 1890's. A few years ago, the Fanwood Quarry produced some of the most magnificent Prehnite after Glauberite "casts" in the world, along with some associated Calcite specimens. These two minerals were primarily the only species found at Fanwood over the last 10+ years. This piece features no Prehnite, but it does host a rich brown color radiating aggregate of Stilbite measuring 3.5 cm across with small Calcite and Quartz crystals on. The glistening luster on the Stilbite "ball" is superb, and it is undamaged as far as I can see with the naked eye. Stilbites are not often seen from this locality, and from what I understand, nothing is coming out anymore as the crystal-bearing pockets are all but gone now. From the collection of Robert (Bob) Batic whose label states that the piece came from Edwin Skidmore Collection.