Fluorite & Calcite: Crystal mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County Illinois USA

Description

Species: Fluorite, Calcite, Aragonite

Locality: Crystal mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County Illinois USA

Dimensions: 14 x 13.5 x 6 cm.

SOLD

The Crystal mine, located in the world-famous Southern Illinois Fluorite District, was a fairly early (~1940-1970) producer of fine crystallized fluorite, calcite, aragonite, and related minerals. This wonderfully-aesthetic large cabinet-size specimen features spiky, “cityscape” like calcite crystals to ~6 cm with a thin aragonite coating, which are artfully arranged on a matrix of large fluorite cubes with fine yellow to blue color-zoning, and selective etching in places. Black hydrocarbons which partially-coat the fluorite crystals provide a nice contrast. A beautiful classic from an unusual locality. Ex. Frank Metro, Bob Batic collections. Annette Slade photo.