Fluorite with Calcite, Sphalerite

specimen number:
2092147

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

description:
A grouping of purple translucent semi lustrous cubic fluorite crystals, this hosting small crystals of both sphalerite and calcite. This is in very good condition with just slight micro-cleaving on one crystal corner. Neat combination miniature for the locality.

The Denton Mine, located in Hardin County, Illinois, was part of the Illinois Kentucky Fluorspar District, a region historically known for its production of fluorite and associated minerals. The mine opened in 1979 during a later phase of development in the district and operated until its closure in 1993. It consisted of underground workings that followed mineralized veins through limestone host rock, targeting fluorite for use in the steel and chemical industries. In addition to fluorite, the mine produced associated minerals such as calcite, galena, and sphalerite, some of which are valued by collectors. Although its period of operation was relatively short compared to earlier mines in the district, the Denton Mine represents one of the final chapters of large scale fluorspar mining in southern Illinois.

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