Calcite with Fluorite

specimen number:
8911204

location:
Gordonsville Mine, Smith Co., Tennessee, USA

description:
Superb combination piece, a light purple mostly gemmy cubic crystal of fluorite 2.6 cm on edge is set nicely up on matrix. Studded across the top of this is a double terminated colorless partly gemmy crystal of calcite 6.5 cm in length. This is in very good condition all around. The specimen comes with a previous label from the Alton collection.

The Gordonsville Mine, located in Smith County, Tennessee, lies within the Central Tennessee Mississippi Valley-Type ore district, where mineralizing fluids migrated through fractured and brecciated Ordovician limestone to deposit rich ore bodies. Commercial mining in the district began in the mid-20th century, with the Gordonsville facility operating primarily as a underground zinc extraction site. Beyond its industrial importance, the mine achieved legendary status among mineral collectors for producing some of the world's finest gem-quality fluorite, lustrous dark brown sphalerite, sharp calcite twins, and brilliant barite crystals, making specimens from this underground working highly prized in collections worldwide.

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