Fluorite

specimen number:
8311105

location:
Lead Hill, Hardin Co., Illinois, USA

description:
A lovely cluster of light purple mostly gemmy and lustrous cubic fluorite crystals. This is in very good condition. The structure of the crystals on the specimen makes this quite aesthetic. Nice color zoning is present as well when the specimen is viewed backlit as shown at the end of the video and in the photo.

Fluorspar mining in southern Illinois developed in the 1800s within the Illinois Kentucky Fluorspar District, where mineralized veins in limestone hosted fluorite along with lead and zinc minerals. Production increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making the region one of the leading sources of fluorite in the United States. Lead Hill was one of the important mining areas in Hardin County, where fluorite occurred with galena and other minerals in vein deposits. Mining in the district declined after the mid 20th century, but the area remains well known among collectors for its colorful fluorite specimens.

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