Quartz on Galena

Unknown Owner

a lustrous cubic crystal of galena, this hosting sugary white crystallized quartz and minor calcite. In great condition all around. Choice combination miniature for this locality. The size provided is on edge, on a diagonal this measures 4.0 cm in size.The Davis Deardorff Mine, located in Hardin County, Illinois, was part of the Illinois Kentucky Fluorspar District, a region known for hydrothermal vein deposits hosted in limestone. The mine was developed in the mid 20th century during a period of strong demand for fluorspar, with operations beginning around the 1940s and continuing until the late 20th century, closing in the 1980s as market conditions declined. Mining was carried out through underground workings that followed fluorite rich veins formed by mineralizing fluids moving through fractures in the host rock. In addition to fluorite, the mine produced associated minerals such as calcite, galena, and sphalerite. The locality is also known among collectors for its attractive mineral specimens, reflecting the favorable conditions for crystal growth within open cavities in the deposit.