Franklinite (Zinc iron oxide, with large amounts manganese)
The red ore, which is a nick name for Franklinite, was thought to be magnetic (magnetite). Later was used as a pigment for house paint. After the 1850's Franklinite was found to be an excellent source for ores such as zinc, iron and manganese. It has a hardness of 5.5 - 6.5.The mine is now abandon and has surrender to creeping waters.
Visitors to Franklin N.J. will find a wonderful museum that rivals many college collections. A fluorescent minerals display, as well as a super collection of minerals, gems and fossils are wonderful resource for students and collectors.
This picture is at the Franklin Museum September 2000 . A museum staff member let us take this sample picture for Cape Cod Rocks. We are leaning on ore. Four hours was just enough time to explore the museum, go on a the tour and collect samples from the rock pile.
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