Rocks and Minerals

Paterson is one of the most important mineralized basalt areas in the world. The basalt that makes up the Watchung Mountains, Garrett Mountain and the Great Falls provides the matrix for minerals to form. Forty-five different minerals are found in the Paterson area, which formed 250 million years ago.

In this exhibition, you will see a variety of specimens found in Paterson, as well as other specimens from around New Jersey. You will also be able to compare the local minerals with others found around the world.