Fluorite from Minerva No. 1 Mine, Hardin County, Illinois, USA

Ross Lillie Collection ... RCL #0718 ... Paralstonite is a rarity.

5.19.22 Ross Lillie Commentary ...

The association with Paralstonite is a rarity. However, it is probable that a good deal more was found but just not properly identified. It takes an X-ray analysis to determine if it is alstonite or paralstonite so in hindsight paralstonite may have been quite prevalent to begin with. Alstonite may be defined as common.

5.16.22 Rob @ Arkenstone Commentary ...

The Minerva #1 Mine is the type locality for Paralstonite, and it's only been found in 9 or 10 world localities. I've only seen one other specimen of this material from the Minerva #1 Mine.

Very rare classic and attractive miniature specimen featuring sharp, lustrous gemmy "phantomed" beautiful purple (blue in sunlight) and yellow cubic crystals of Fluorite overgrown by a thin layer of white micro Paralstonite crystals, and no matrix.

The largest Fluorite specimen measures 1.7 cm on edge. With backlighting, you can see a thin "phantom" layer of micro Marcasite crystals between the yellow and purple zones of the Fluorite.

The piece is essentially a complete "floater", as there is no matrix, and no point of attachment that I can see.

The Minerva #1 Mine was well known for its Fluorite specimens, though they are few and far between on the market these days. This area is completely closed down and will never produce these specimens again.