Free Republic

History and geology come together at this spectacular destination in Sussex County, showcasing one of nature’s best-kept secrets in the most amazing way. Photo by Michael Kucinski Mining takes on a whole new meaning in the tiny town of Ogdensburg — just a stone’s throw from the “Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World” in Franklin — where one museum houses more than enough evidence to back up the lofty title. Upon descent into the Earth’s depths in rural Sussex County, an underground world concealed from the masses comes to light, its marvelous features a true hidden gem. Wandering through...

Picture this: Fluorescent rocks It could be argued that New Jersey is the rock capital of the world - just ask any Springsteen fan.But did you know that the Garden State is also the fluorescent rock capital of the world, long regarded as the "Promised Land" of fluorescent minerals by rock collectors worldwide?Stuart Schneider has written a book about it called "Collecting Fluorescent Minerals." He has an extensive collection of fluorescent rocks, with more than 800 species from around the world, but mostly his rocks are New Jersey-grown.The photography darkroom in his basement has been converted into a mineral room,...