Pectolite on Datolite – Millington Quarry, Millington, Somerset County, New Jersey

An exceptional specimen of Pectolite on Datolite from the renowned Millington Quarry in Millington, Somerset County, New Jersey. This historic northeastern locality is highly regarded among mineral collectors for producing attractive combinations of uncommon mineral species, particularly pectolite, datolite, prehnite, and associated minerals within basalt-hosted cavities.

This specimen features delicate Pectolite associated with Datolite, creating an aesthetically pleasing contrast between crystal habits and textures. The combination is highly desirable among collectors of classic American mineral localities and uncommon association specimens.

Specimen Highlights

• Natural Pectolite on Datolite
• Millington Quarry locality
• Somerset County, New Jersey
• Classic American mineral locality
• Attractive mineral association
• Collector-quality display specimen
• Historic northeastern U.S. provenance

Mineral Information

Pectolite

• Formula: NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH)
• Crystal System: Triclinic
• Typical Habit: Fibrous, radiating, acicular
• Luster: Silky to vitreous

Datolite

• Formula: CaBSiO₄(OH)
• Crystal System: Monoclinic
• Typical Habit: Massive to crystalline
• Luster: Vitreous

The Millington Quarry is well known for producing unusual cavity mineralization where pectolite forms attractive fibrous sprays and radiating aggregates alongside contrasting datolite growths. These associations are increasingly difficult to obtain as classic collecting localities become less accessible.

Collectors value specimens from this locality for:

• Historic New Jersey provenance
• Uncommon mineral associations
• Attractive crystal textures
• Classic American collecting locality
• Educational mineralogical significance
• Strong regional collector demand

Depending on the specimen, natural features may include:

• Radiating pectolite sprays
• Fibrous crystal growth
• Datolite crystal masses
• Contrasting mineral textures
• Cavity-grown formations
• Multiple mineral generations

Provenance

Millington Quarry, Millington, Somerset County, New Jersey, USA

Measurements

• Dimensions: 26 x 33 x 21 mm

Collector Notes

Pectolite is best known as the mineral species that includes the famous blue variety known as Larimar, found in the Dominican Republic. However, classic pectolite specimens from American localities such as Millington Quarry are highly collectible in their own right due to their distinctive crystal habits and historic locality significance.

Datolite has long been a favorite among mineral collectors because of its variety of crystal habits and frequent occurrence in aesthetically pleasing mineral associations. Together, pectolite and datolite create an attractive and scientifically interesting display specimen.