Fluorite from Cave-in-Rock, Cave-in-Rock Mining Sub-District, Hardin County, Illinois, USA

Intergrown classic gemmy amber-yellow fluorite cubes with satin lustre stepped-growth faces are accented with beautiful well-defined light sky-blue edge phantoms, a classic Minerva style. Yelow is, to me, the most valued color here as it is more rare than others. The impressive large central cube is 4.0 cm and a few scattered calcite spikes are a fine accessory. The cluster of sphalerite crystals at the base are rarely encountered in well-crystallized fluorite specimens from the locale. LW UV light reveals two unexpected surprises! The fluorites fluoresce a pretty light lavender and some of the crystals of the left side fluoresce yellow-white from hydrocarbon inclusions. Ex Chet Lemanski Collection and acquired in 1997. A well-balanced, sculptural and rare large fluorite combination from the Minerva. A fine large specimen.