Calcite from Minerva No. 1 Mine, Hardin County, Illinois, USA - image 1

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

Ross Lillie Collection ... RCL #2274A

Stunning spiked clusters of parallel-growth colorless, translucent calcite scalenohedrons with beautiful waxy lustre and striking multiple terminations dramatically project outward in all directions from a first generation "ball" of tiny colorless or oxide-tinted scalenohedrons. The longest isolated spike on the left side is 4.3 cm long. This is a RARE and unique two-generation style and color of calcite from an unknown Hardin County mine. We have reviewed all 393 calcite photos in the Hardin County MINDAT Photo Gallery and nothing comes close to matching this exotic and very aesthetic calcite. The best guess would be the famous Minerva No.1 Mine.

Product details

SpeciesCalciteStrontianite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions6.2 x 5.0 x 4.5 cm
Added on08/30/2026
LocalityUSA, Illinois, Minerva No. 1 Mine
RepairsNone
Publications
  • Mindat Photo ID: #1028365

Current owner

Kim & Dona Niederman Collection
Kim & Dona Niederman Collection
Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
Acquired
Jan 2020
1 for sale·Member since 2025

Previous owners

DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Ross C. LillieNot disclosed
RCL #2274
2009Tommy Harris, Cincinatti, OHNot disclosed
—Don Sohn, Springfield, OHNot disclosed

Learn more

Calcite
Mineral guide
Learn about Calcite
diverse shapes, colors, and optical quirks; widely available yet scarce elite pieces from Elmwood and Charcas drive collecting value and display.
Calcite and Strontianite 'The Hummingbird'
Regional guide
Calcite and Strontianite 'The Hummingbird' from Minerva No. 1 Mine, Rosiclare Level, Ozark-Mahoning Co., Cave-in-Rock, Southern Illinois
Minerva No. 1 Mine Calcite and Strontianite The Hummingbird: famed for sharp crystals, unique mineral associations, and notable collecting history.
Locality guide
Minerva No. 1 Mine
A collector's guide to Minerva No. 1 Mine, USA: its geology, mining history and notable minerals, illustrated with the 725 specimens documented from this locality on EarthWonders.