Barite with Calcite

Unknown Owner

Light blue lustrous attractive crystal groupings of barite to 2.0 cm in size perfect across the front of this matrix with minor calcite. Classic material for the species and locality.The Minerva Mine No. 1 in Hardin County, Illinois was part of the Illinois Kentucky Fluorspar District, a major source of fluorite in the United States during the 20th century. The mine was developed to work fluorite vein deposits hosted in limestone and produced fluorite along with associated minerals such as calcite, galena, and sphalerite. Underground mining operations supplied fluorspar used in the steel and chemical industries. The locality later became well known among mineral collectors for colorful fluorite and calcite specimens from southern Illinois.