Fluorapatite

Unknown Owner

Classic specimen for this locality, a loose prismatic sharply formed and lustrous crystal of fluorapatite. This was certainly collected in the 1970s. In terrific condition. Much nicer than most from this locality.The Pea Ridge Mine in Washington County, Missouri is a large iron deposit located in the St. Francois Mountains of southeastern Missouri. Mining began in the mid 20th century and focused on magnetite rich ore hosted in Precambrian igneous rocks. The operation became one of the major iron producers in the region and supplied ore for steel production for several decades. The mine closed in 2001, but the deposit is also known for minerals containing rare earth elements and other unusual species that have attracted scientific interest.