Calcite

Unknown Owner

Help improve this recordNo owner is registered for this specimen yet. If it's yours or you know more about it, you can add the owner, provenance, publications and other details.

An attractive large scalenohedral crystal of calcite. In good condition.The Big John Mine, situated near Treece in Cherokee County, Kansas, was part of the highly productive Tri-State Lead-Zinc Mining District. Geologically, the area is characterized by Mississippian-age Boone Formation limestones, dolomites, and cherts, where hydrothermal fluids deposited major ore bodies within brecciated and karst-like subterranean structures. Mineralogically, the mine operations extracted primary sulfide ores consisting mainly of sphalerite and galena, alongside associated minerals like marcasite and pyrite. Historically, commercial activity in this sector accelerated during the early 20th century, peaking intensely through World War I and World War II to supply critical metals for the United States, before production declined and operations permanently ceased by the late 1960s.