Fluorite

specimen number:
2242043

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

description:
Gorgeous deep blue gemmy lustrous cubic crystals of fluorite measuring to 6.0 cm on edge in a cluster with little attached matrix. This is in incredible condition for the size of the piece and for the species. Beautiful when backlit as seen in the picture and at the end of the video. A really striking large cabinet piece from this classic American locality.

The Denton Mine, located in the Harris Creek District of Hardin County, Illinois, was a major producer within the world-renowned Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. Geologically, the mine exploited a series of high-grade bedding-replacement and vein deposits hosted within Mississippian-aged limestones, where hydrothermal fluids deposited minerals along complex fault systems. The site is legendary for producing exceptional fluorite specimens, often occurring as sharp, transparent cubic crystals in colors ranging from deep purple and lavender to clear and yellow, frequently found in association with sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite. Historically, the Denton Mine was developed by the Ozark-Mahoning Company, with construction beginning in the late 1970s and full-scale industrial production commencing in 1980. The mine served as a critical source of acid-grade fluorspar for the chemical and steel industries for over a decade. Due to shifting global market conditions and increased competition, the mine ceased its primary operations in early 1994.

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