A magnificent example of this rare phosphate from a rare and truly historic locale!!! This specimen hosts a rich coverage of
bubbly, intensely colored bluish green botryoidal crystals of pseudomalachite!!!
Please read this following excerpt:
Ref.: New Jersey State Geologist's Annual Report (1906): 140-142. Located under a
residential area of North Arlington. Claimed to be the oldest mine in the USA, opened in 1715
(about 1719). Ore was packed in barrels and shipped to England for smelting due to restrictions
on smelting in the colonies. Had the first steam engine, imported from England, used to pump a
mine in North America. Reopened 1859 and ultimately closed 1865. Ore was in mineralized,
unaltered, gray arkosic sandstone in red sandstone in the proximity of trap dikes
(Palisades diabase). Ore contained 4.4 oz. silver per ton plus would yield a gold bead.
Workings featured the Victoria shaft at 347 feet deep. Also had 2 inclines (220 feet & 80 feet).
This is a very high quality specimen for the locale!!! Originally acquired approximately over 60 years ago,
these specimens are simply no longer accessible!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!!
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WILL BE ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 5-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY JULY 24th!!!
