Vivianite pseudomorph after Belemnite Fossil

Item Description

These fossils from the phosphate locality at Mullica Hill in New Jersey are fairly well-known to locals, but they're still quite rare on the market. This locality is not anywhere near the famous Franklin Mining District or the Trap Rocks of the Watchung Mountains, it lies much further south about 25 miles from Philadelphia. These specimens came out decades ago, and are quite desirable for collectors. Mullica Hill is known for phosphate species, but perhaps the best known specimens are these eye-catching replacements / pseudomorphs featuring crystals of Vivianite after marine animals. This elongated, tubular specimen hosts dark greenish-black crystals of Vivianite that have replaced a Belemnite fossil. The quality of the Vivianite crystals is pretty good for the locality as they do show some luster, which is not common as many can be dull and unattractive. Obviously this is not what most people think of when it comes to New Jersey minerals, but it's certainly great piece to add to any East Coast mineral collection. For more information, please see the article about Mullica Hill, New Jersey in Min. Rec. 9-10/1980