SOLD Fluorite - zoned, new find from southern Illinois
stock #SOLD 23.1-263
Leadhill Mine area, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
5.6 x 4.5 x 3.8 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $0
Pre Tucson
From a series of small finds at the Lead Hill Mines in 2022, this is a glassy, sharp and vivid piece. The zoning is the classic phantoms of cubic internal boxes. Color varies from deep purple to a light violet to almost colorless. There is internal Chalcopyrite as well but very small. The base and backside have cleaves where this was in contact but most of the specimen is fine. A few from this find had zoned fluorescence, this one does and has some zones of the rare red color along with more typical blue and white zones. For several years we all have been missing new Fluorites from the great southern Illinois districts, the mines are closed and mostly exhausted. This recent trickle of nice pieces are very welcome in the mineral community. They are also a bit different from others in the region and make a nice addition for any good Fluorite suite.
Fluorite - etched 360 degree cluster
stock #23.1-265
Leadhill Mine area, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
4.6 x 3.1 x 2.6 CM (miniature)
price: $190
Pre Tucson
From the recent find at Lead Hill, this is a highly etched cluster of stacked cubes that is crystalized on all sides with no point of attachment. The color ranges from a deep purple to almost colorless. On close exam there are some phantoms as well. The surface is highly etched but still geometric in structure. Some faces have a distinctive melted look. No obvious damage or chipping, this is a complete floater. It is great to see a few nice Fluorites are still being found in Southern Illinois.
