The Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society, Inc. (FOMS)
provides programs designed to benefit the community, mineral collectors,
and others interested in the minerals, mineralogy, and geology of the
Franklin-Ogdensburg area of New Jersey



Zincite
Our Mission:
  • To establish and maintain, in cooperation with other interested groups, a permanent museum in Franklin, New Jersey for the minerals of Franklin and Ogdensburg.
  • To develop new information on the minerals and mineralogy through cooperative programs with universities and other scientific organizations and individuals.
  • To obtain and make available accurate, up-to-date information on the minerals and mineralogy of the areas.
  • To facilitate collecting of the local minerals while conserving material for future collectors.
  • To facilitate accurate identification of the local minerals.
  • To promote fellowship and the advancement of mineralogy and geology by providing meetings for members of the Society.

Become a Member of FOMS

Our yearly activities consist of seven scheduled meetings and field trips. Meetings are open to the public, and are held at 1:30 PM, usually in Kraissl Hall at the Franklin Mineral Museum, Evans St., Franklin NJ. Members receive our official publication, The Picking Table, which is issued twice a year in the Spring and Fall. It features articles of interest to the mineralogical community that pertain to the Franklin-Ogdensburg area and will advise you of the dates of meetings, field trips, and other activities of the Society. The FOMS Activities Schedule is also posted on the Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society public group on Facebook. To become a member, please fill out the membership form.



NOW AVAILABLE

THE MINERALOGY OF FRANKLIN AND OGDENSBURG NEW JERSEY (also known as The Color Book) is now available for purchase.
The cost of the book is $185 plus tax, which would make your total $197.26.
The book can be purchased at the Franklin Mineral Museum or the Sterling Hill Mining Museum.


The Next FOMS Field Trip: October 24, 2026

9:00 AM - Noon - FOMS Field Trip - Collecting at Braen Limecrest,
217 Limecrest Rd, Lafayette, NJ 07848
Meet at the Quarry Office at 8:30 sharp to sign waiver forms, check your membership status, and attend site orientation.  
Personal protective gear is mandatory!
Hard hats are strictly required in all quarries and supply yards.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or protective goggles to guard against flying stone chips and dust.
Foot Protection: Sturdy, steel-toe work boots with reinforced caps and slip-resistant grip.
Hand Protection: Heavy-duty, abrasive-resistant work gloves.
High-Visibility Clothing: Reflective vests or high-vis jackets to remain visible around heavy machinery.

This is a busy quarry. Be alert for large trucks entering and exiting the quarry. Quarry
equipment always has the right of way. Bypass the scale house to the left when entering the property, go left at top of hill and see the office. Bypass the scale to the right when exiting the property. Try not to drive over the scale.


Fluorescent Franklin Mineral

Fluorite variety chlorophane, franklinite, willemite and calcite collected at the Franklin Buckwheat Dump, May 2017.
The chlorophane fluoresces teal, calcite orange and willemite green in shortwave UV light.

Use Use the buttons below to see the rock fluoresce.



      


Newly Added Images of Franklin Minerals, Franklin-Ogdensburg area.



New mineral research pages.