Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Mine Run Dump
Ogdensburg, New Jersey
willemitefranklinitecalcitezinciterhodonitefluorescent minerals
Fee dig · Fee
Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Mine Run Dump
The last working zinc mine in New Jersey shut in 1986 and reopened as a museum, and the rock pile out back is the reason collectors drive here. Two piles sit side by side: a local one holding hundreds of tons of high-grade Sterling Hill zinc ore packed with highly fluorescent species, and an international one of material from around the world. A shed on site with ultraviolet lighting lets you check whether a gray lump glows before you pay for it by the pound. No hammers allowed, and wear closed-toe shoes.
The card catalog
| What you can find | willemite, franklinite, calcite, zincite, rhodonite, fluorescent minerals |
|---|---|
| Access | Fee dig — Fee |
| Fees | $5 per person to collect plus $3 per pound of rock, with a 5-pound minimum. Bring your own bags or buckets |
| Season & hours | open daily 10am-3pm, weather permitting; the dump is completely exposed to the elements with no shade or shelter |
| Kids | Better for experienced collectors — Collectors on the Mine Run Dump must be at least 18 years of age. Children can still do the underground mine tour and the museum, just not the rock pile |
| Official source | Sterling Hill Mining Museum (operator) |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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willemite, franklinite, calcite
Before you go
What does Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Mine Run Dump cost?
$5 per person to collect plus $3 per pound of rock, with a 5-pound minimum. Bring your own bags or buckets Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Mine Run Dump open?
open daily 10am-3pm, weather permitting; the dump is completely exposed to the elements with no shade or shelter Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Mine Run Dump good for kids?
Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Mine Run Dump is better suited to experienced collectors than young kids. Collectors on the Mine Run Dump must be at least 18 years of age. Children can still do the underground mine tour and the museum, just not the rock pile