Hi Belinda;

I live in Warren Twp., just a few miles southwest of West Orange. The red shales and sandstones are of the Newark Sequence, and are of Triassic or Jurassic age (early dinosaurs). The basalt ridges are old lava flows of the same age. These formations are faulted and dropped into the Paleozoic rocks from the Carolinas to Nova Scotia. Here in NJ, they include the Watchungs and valleys between and in front of them and the Great Swamp basin. The Palisades along the Hudson River are the same age, but are a diabase sill.

Dinosaur footprints have been collected from the shales at several locations, so you might want to keep your eyes open for them. Minerals are much more likely to be found in the basalt. Eagle Rock Quarry in West Orange is one well known site, however almost any quarry in the Watchungs is a source for zeolites and associated minerals. Those around Paterson are world class.

There are several mineral clubs in the area. The members can be quite helpful in answering your questions.

Good collecting!

From Don Peck - July 09, 2001 at 09:45:29
Email: dpeck[ ]infi.net