Since 2015 school children and local legislators have ben trying to make Franklinite New Jersey's state mineral. Finally, it looks like it will happen soon. Franklinite is a rare reddish brown or black zinc found only in Franklin and Ogdensburg. More than 33 million tons of Franklinite were mined in our area. It was the driving force behind the mining industry that flourished here for over 60 years. It was used in many products including tires, sunblock, cosmetics and even brass.
Eventually the supply became exhausted and the last Franklinite came out of Stirling Hill Mine in Ogdensburg back in 1986. School children in Franklin, Sparta, Ogdensburg and Hardyston continually wrote letters to legislators asking them to allow Assemblyman Parker Space's Bill to be voted on. This past Thursday it was passed with bi-partisan support. The same bill sponsored by State Senator Steve Oroho passed in the upper chamber last year. Governor Murphy will hopefully be adding his signature soon.
Source: Assembly Republicans
FranklinitePhoto: Phil Crabb