Pyrite with Calcite, Fluorite

specimen number:
2013466

location:
Annabel Lee Mine, Hardin Co., Illinois, USA

description:

Bright golden stalactitic crystallized pyrite curving and laying across the top of a yellowish fluorite crystal matrix with calcite. These came out in the middle 1980s. This one is terrific and in great condition. Note that the previous label calls this marcasite, I believe this to be pyrite. Very distinctive, these are not often seen available on the market today. Note that pyrite was never terribly common in good collectible specimens from this mining area.

The Annabel Lee Mine, located in Hardin County, Illinois, was part of the Illinois Kentucky Fluorspar District, a region historically important for its production of fluorite and associated minerals from hydrothermal vein deposits hosted in limestone. Mining activity in the area took place primarily during the mid 20th century, with underground workings developed to follow fluorite rich veins along fault zones and fractures. In addition to fluorite, the mine produced associated minerals such as calcite, galena, and sphalerite, formed from mineralizing fluids that circulated through the host rock. Like many mines in the district, the Annabel Lee Mine operated during a period of strong industrial demand for fluorspar and later declined as market conditions changed. Today, the locality is remembered as part of the broader history of southern Illinois mining and is of interest to collectors for the mineral specimens it produced.

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