Barite

specimen number:
2092186

location:
Crystal Mine, Hardin Co., Illinois, USA

description:
Tabular crystals of barite to 1.0 cm in size forming a cluster with little attached matrix. Complete all around and in good condition.

The Crystal Mine, located near Cave-in-Rock in Hardin County, Illinois, was a significant producer in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, famous for its exceptional mineral specimens. Geologically, it exploited Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) deposits where hydrothermal fluids replaced layers of Mississippian limestone, specifically within the Cave-in-Rock bedded replacement sub-district. While the mine was primarily known for fluorite, it produced world-class barite specimens that typically occurred as secondary mineralizations in late-stage cavities. These barite crystals are often found as delicate, snowy-white to translucent "crested" blades or clusters, frequently perched on top of vibrant purple or yellow fluorite cubes. Historically, the mine began operations in the early 20th century, with the most productive period for high-quality specimens occurring under the ownership of the Minerva Oil Company and later the Ozark-Mahoning Company. The mine operated through several decades of the mid-1900s until its eventual closure in the late 20th century as the district's industrial activity declined. Today, barite from the Crystal Mine is highly sought after by collectors for its aesthetic contrast and its representation of the complex mineralizing pulses that defined this iconic American mining region.

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