Fluorite

Rosiclare Level, Minerva No. 1 Mine, Hardin County, Illinois 11.0 x 10.0 x 9.5 cm The “toadstool” style is a phenomenon that is relatively uncommon across the many Fluorite-producing localities in the world. The prolific Minerva No. 1 Mine in the Kentucky-Fluorspar district was famous for producing exceptional specimens, but also Fluorite oddities like this toadstool cluster. This style of Fluorites were recovered in the early 1990s from the Rosiclare Level. Much like the “ice-cream-cone” Fluorites from the Elmwood localities in Tennessee, the corners of the cube remained more resistant to the rapid-dissolution process. This leaves the etched “stalks” of Fluorite with the gemmy and lustrous caps sitting atop. Most of the toadstool specimens were recovered as single crystals, rarely were full clusters recovered in matrix and intact, making this piece a rarity among rarities.

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Fluorite

SizeCabinet

Dimensions11.0 x 10.0 x 9.5 cm

Locality

USA, Illinois, Minerva No. 1 Mine

Repairs4 minor restorations

Added on10/31/2024

Comments

Known provenance