Sphalerite

specimen number:
2013358

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

description:

A superb example for the species from this mining district, brilliant lustrous sharply formed crystals of sphalerite measuring to 1.3 cm in size are covering the front of matrix. In outstanding condition. Collected in the early 1980s.

The Denton Mine in Hardin County, Illinois was part of the Illinois Kentucky Fluorspar District, a region that became one of the leading sources of fluorite in the United States during the 20th century. The mine worked fluorite vein deposits hosted in limestone and produced fluorite along with associated minerals such as calcite, galena, and sphalerite. Operations were carried out by underground mining methods and contributed to the districts role in supplying fluorspar for steel and chemical industries. The mine is now inactive but remains known among collectors for fluorite specimens from southern Illinois.

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