Fluorite - USA classic, vintage 1950
stock #21.1-326
Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
4.4 x 3.3 x 2.5 CM (miniature)
price: $280
Late Summer 2021
A nearly pure bright yellow color Fluorite with a tiny faint zone of light blue on some edges. This is an old piece with a tattered label dated 1950. The color and translucency is excellent, there are some edges that are slightly rough, the back and one side are the point of removal. The display side of the two main cubes is in nice condition. There is one round "Barite hole" on a face that adds a nice accent. Close exam of the wider faces shows many geometric growth structures and a little stepping, the luster is wet looking.
Celestite on Calcite
stock #AX-7-024-(294)
Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
3.9 x 2.6 x 2.3 CM (small miniature)
price: $180
new year 2021
A small but very esthetic specimen from the prolific Fluorospar region of Southern Illinois. Ex. Larry White collection, the Celestite (or Celestine for many) is a terminated flat prism set on light yellow Calcites. Unusual in its composition, this piece has considerable display impact despite the small size and is in excellent condition. This zone produced many thousands of great Fluorite specimens but very few good Celestites were saved.
Barite with Fluorite (US classic)
stock #0307-JM-1632
Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
7.9 x 5.8 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $1150
An outstanding classic that is rarely seen on the market. Sheaves of fine blue Barite crystals in radiating habit on a contrasting Calcite matrix. Fluorites are noted on the edge and backside, but the main impact is from the Barite. Ex John Marshall collection, this has the rare strong blue color, most Barites were a cream white to gray hue. In very good condition as seen, the piece is very three dimensional with top color and form. A fine addition to any good suite of southern Illinois minerals, US classics or Barites.
Benstonite on Fluorite
stock #15.1-967-(SM3121)
Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
6.7 x 5.7 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
Worldwide mix summer
Benstonite in unusual distinct crystals clustered on Fluorite cubes. Ex Charles Noll collection, a choice example of this uncommon mineral that has always been a very desirable rarity from this region. The Fluorite cubes are also very sharp and clean with strong Fluorescence. These are only available from older collections and most are just a whitish coating on other minerals. This almost certainly came from the Minerva mine but the label does not give that specific detail so we leave this listed as Cave-in Rock only.
Fluorite with phantoms
stock #AX- 20-157
Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
8.2 x 6.7 x 4.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $700
pre Tucson 2015 update
Excellent form and sharp edged cubes typify this fine old Cave in Rock Fluorite. In excellent condition and with a nice contrasting matrix of tiny golden Sphalerites and white Calcites. Moderate backlighting makes this glow deep purple hues and the phantoms are very evident. Backside contacting is typical but the 3 dimensional presentation is much better than usual.