Fluorite

specimen number:
1052361

location:
Southern Illinois Fluorspar District, Illinois, USA

description:

A cluster of glassy gemmy attractive golden yellow cubic fluorite crystals to 3.2 cm on edge across the top of matrix. Many of the crystals exhibit attractive color zoning that is blue and purple. Damage is present as seen. This piece certainly dates pre-1970.

Fluorite mining in southern Illinois developed in the 19th century within the Illinois Kentucky Fluorspar District, centered mainly in Hardin and Pope counties. The region became one of the most important sources of fluorspar in the United States, producing large quantities of fluorite used in the steel, chemical, and aluminum industries. Mining was carried out from numerous underground mines that worked vein and replacement deposits hosted in limestone and other sedimentary rocks. Production reached its peak during the early to mid 20th century, and the district also became well known among mineral collectors for colorful fluorite crystals associated with minerals such as calcite, galena, and sphalerite.

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