Classic for the locality and species, colorless slightly translucent semi lustrous crystals of witherite, the largest prismatic in measuring to 4.2 x 2.1 x 2.0 cm in size, set nicely on a brecciated matrix. This sits up perfectly by itself or display and is in very good condition. Tiny colorless crystals of alstonite are present.The Minerva Mine Number 1, located near Cave-in-Rock in Hardin County, Illinois, was a cornerstone of the historic Illinois-Kentucky fluorspar district. Discovered in 1940 and sinking its primary shaft in 1942, the mine operated intermittently until its final closure in 1996. Geologically, the deposit sits within Mississippian-age carbonate host rocks, where fluorine-bearing hydrothermal fluids migrated through regional faults and bedding-plane replacement zones to form rich ore bodies. Mineralogically, the mine achieved world-renowned status among collectors for producing spectacular specimens, most notably exceptionally sharp cubic and multi-colored fluorite crystals often associated with sphalerite, calcite, barite, strontianite, and witherite.
Comments