Fluorite - classic southern Illinois
stock #7.AE-320
Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
10.5 x 7.2 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $480
Spring 23
Classic Illinois Fluorite with no matrix, mostly a cluster of sharp yellow cubes on massive Fluorite. The crystals are very slightly zoned with thin outer edge lines that are quite subtle. In very good condition overall, sharp edges, corners and good transparency. The color is mostly yellow but with a hint of orange in person. The larger crystals are over 2 CM on edge, and the luster is quite glassy. Specimens of this quality have become quite hard to get at reasonable prices if at all.
Witherite - classic USA
stock #AC-309
Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
8 x 5.6 x 5.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $460
Spring 23
Choice, old (1960 vintage) cluster of two main Witherite crystals with minor Calcite and Fluorite on the back. The larger crystal is about 6 CM across, quite large for the specie. The front, or display side, is in good condition, the back right rear edge is cleaved but still displays well. The top crystal is more complete and even though smaller is the focal point. The larger lower crystal is less complete due to cleaves but makes a nice base for the upper. This is vividly fluorescent in all wavelengths, and the crystal terminations show the classic rounded step-type structures. The prism faces have the small stair-step structures that are classic for the specie. Witherite was fairly common in the early years of mining in the Fluorspar region, but really good specimens were rare, and since they were not colorful very few were saved. These now rank as some of the very best ever found on earth. I am told there is no longer any locality in the world where any is being found, and certainly not large fine crystals like these. A very good modern classic.
Fluorite with Calcite - classic USA
stock #22.1-697
Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
7.8 x 5.8 x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $680
Spring 23
An excellent grape purple cluster of well-formed translucent cubes with some minor zoning. The form is unusual and delicate with very sharp cubes perched on thin crusts of Calcite in a vug-like structure. From the famed Rosiclaire zone of the Minerva #1 Mine, this is from a unique find more than 35 years ago. Displays very well from several angles and in very good condition overall. A few very tiny cleaves are present so not technically perfect but most crystals are indeed fully perfect, The cleaves are not easy to spot by naked eye, this is as fine as anything we have ever seen from this unusual find.
Strontianite on Barite
stock #21.1-312
Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
10.6 x 7.7 x 5.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $750
Late Summer 2021
Superb combination specimen of Strontianite crystal ball-clusters on contrasting Barite blades. A classic southern Illinois specimen that is far more esthetic than typical for these species. The famed Fluorites from this mine tend to overshadow the excellent (and more rare) Strontianites. In perfect, undamaged condition, the Barites are in two generations and have a pale blue hue while the Strontianites in "puffball" form are a pale yellow creme color. In person the luster and sparkle are especially impressive. Strontianite is not usually a very attractive mineral but is respected especially from the classic localities on Europe, but not often an attractive specie. This specimen that is as fine as can be found from the USA and far more attractive than usual.
Witherite on Fluorite
stock #20.1-083
Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
2.8 x 2.6 x 1.8 CM (thumbnail)
price: $140
Spring 2020
A complete ivory colored Witherite crystal sitting on a blue crystalline Fluorite showing classic form. From the famed Minerva #1 Mine, this is a well formed thumbnail specimen in very good condition. The faces of the Witherite have the characteristic tiny stepped structures that are so definitive for this locality.
SOLD Fluorite - zoned, classic yellow-purple
stock #SOLD AX-29-058
Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
6.1 x 4.9 x 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $0
Pre Holiday 2017
An American classic, sharp Fluorite with excellent color and form from the Minerva #1. Complex cubic stepping and hoppers on several faces and a few Chalcopyrite crystals add a nice accent. The Fluorite cubes are very sharp, in fine condition, colorful and translucent to transparent. Looks great from several angles and with backlighting is really dramatic. The photos here are NOT backlit so it looks as it will in a typical display without special lighting. Sadly such quality Illinois Fluorites are fast becoming rare and expensive. No damage except on the underside where it was attached, this is choice and clean on all display faces.
Calcite on Flourite
stock #AX-20-158
Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
6.8 x 5 x 4.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $260
Delicate and esthetic slender crystals of calcite are perched in a jackstraw jumble on purple Fluorite. Despite a few cleaved tips this still displays super well. Classic old time specimen, this sort of material is now quite uncommon.
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