Barite on Sphalerite

specimen number:
2072241

location:
Southern Illinois Fluorspar District, Illinois, USA

description:
Fine lustrous creamy tabular crystals of barite covering matrix. In good condition with minimal damage present. As a guess, I think this might be from the CrystalMine.

The Southern Illinois Fluorspar District, located primarily in Hardin and Pope counties, is a world-renowned mineral province situated within the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. Geologically, the mineralization is found in Mississippian-aged limestones and is characterized by both vein deposits along faults and bedded-replacement deposits where hydrothermal fluids interacted with favorable host rock. While the district is famous for its vibrant fluorite, barite occurs as a significant gangue mineral, often appearing as white to cream-colored bladed crystals or massive aggregates associated with fluorite, sphalerite, and galena. Historically, the region saw its first commercial mining in the 1840s, with industrial production peaking during the mid-20th century to support the steel and chemical industries. Major operations, such as those run by the Ozark-Mahoning Company and the Minerva Oil Company, continued for over a century until the last primary fluorspar mine in the district, the Hastie Quarry and associated underground workings, ceased large-scale ore production in the mid-1990s. Today, the area remains a legendary locality for collectors due to the high quality and varied habits of the barite and associated minerals recovered during its long history of operation.

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