Fluorite

specimen number:
8311348

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

description:
An interesting multi-generation specimen, the first generation colorless cubic translucent semi lustrous fluorite crystals. There is a second-generation of light purple mostly gemmy cubic fluorite crystals measuring to almost 1.0 cm in size. In good condition.

The Lead Hill mines, located in the Cave-In-Rock district of Hardin County, Illinois, represent a significant part of the famous Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. Geologically, this area features Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) deposits where hydrothermal fluids migrated through fault systems and reacted with Mississippian-aged limestones to form rich veins and bedding-replacement ore bodies. Lead Hill is primarily known for its historical production of high-quality fluorite, which often occurs as sharp, lustrous cubes in shades of purple, yellow, and blue, frequently associated with metallic galena, sphalerite, and barite. Historically, mining in this specific area dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, with Lead Hill being one of the earliest sites in the county to be worked for lead before fluorite became the primary economic focus. While large-scale industrial operations have largely ceased, the locality remains a legendary name in American mineralogy due to the aesthetic quality and historical importance of the specimens recovered from its subterranean pockets.

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