Where to Find Datolite in New Jersey

New Jersey datolite is a classic Triassic basalt mineral from the Watchung Mountains of Passaic, Bergen, and Essex counties. Paterson and Prospect Park quarries produced pale-green-to-yellow datolite as glassy prismatic crystals in basalt amygdules, often with prehnite, pectolite, calcite, and quartz associations. The Bergen Hill cuts (long built over) yielded the famous datolite specimens of the 19th century. Active and recently active trap-rock quarries (Great Notch, Upper Montclair, Summit) continue to surface specimens through club access. Datolite is fragile and brittle, so wrap individual crystals and avoid acid cleaning that attacks the calcium-borate composition.

12 mapped datolite rockhounding spots in New Jersey, across 5 counties.

Map of 12 datolite rockhounding spots in New Jersey

Datolite by county in New Jersey

Counties ranked by number of datolite spots in our database.

Every datolite spot in New Jersey

Sorted by county. Coordinates open in Google Maps. Click a row for details.

SpotCountyMineralsCoordinatesAccess
Bergen CountySoldier Hill RoadBergen County40.9654, -74.0542Public
The PalisadesLong PathBergen County40.9500, -73.9202Public
Bergen Hill by Hudson RiverNew Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay ExtensionHudson County40.7108, -74.0543Public
General Area (Hudson/Passaic)New StreetHudson County40.6634, -74.1099Public
Snake HillLaurel Hill RoadHudson County40.7581, -74.0893Public
Lambertville QuarryDaniel Bray HighwayHunterdon County40.3931, -74.9597Public
Mt. GilboaDaniel Bray HighwayHunterdon County40.3898, -74.9562Public
HaledonValley View RoadPassaic County40.9365, -74.1943Public
Pompton LakesI 287Passaic County41.0054, -74.3071Public
Prospect Park QuarryNorth 16th StreetPassaic County40.9404, -74.1748Public
SomervilleChimney Rock RoadSomerset County40.5847, -74.5672Public
Union CountyValley RoadSomerset County40.6602, -74.4091Public

Datolite in New Jersey FAQ

Where can I find datolite in New Jersey?+
New Jersey datolite is a classic Triassic basalt mineral from the Watchung Mountains of Passaic, Bergen, and Essex counties. Paterson and Prospect Park quarries produced pale-green-to-yellow datolite as glassy prismatic crystals in basalt amygdules, often with prehnite, pectolite, calcite, and quartz associations. The Bergen Hill cuts (long built over) yielded the famous datolite specimens of the 19th century. Active and recently active trap-rock quarries (Great Notch, Upper Montclair, Summit) continue to surface specimens through club access. Datolite is fragile and brittle, so wrap individual crystals and avoid acid cleaning that attacks the calcium-borate composition. The most productive ground is in Paterson quarries (Passaic County), Prospect Park (Passaic County), Great Notch quarry (Essex County).
Is collecting datolite legal in New Jersey?+
Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like datolite is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in New Jersey, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always confirm rules before a trip.
What is the best datolite location in New Jersey?+
Paterson quarries (Passaic County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Prospect Park (Passaic County), Great Notch quarry (Essex County).

Other minerals to find in New Jersey

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