Fluorite and Baryte with Sphalerite

Unknown Owner

Elmwood mine always catches me out as I think of it as an old historic mine because its specimens seem like they’ve been around forever. The mine was in fact only discovered in 1969 which, come to think of it, is quite a long time ago! This very famous mine only ever produced twenty-one different mineral species and it is for Calcite and Fluorite it is particularly well known. Positioned adjacent, yet quite separately, a crystallized ball of creamy Baryte and an assemblage of lustrous, black crystalline Sphalerite sit on a well-proportioned plate light greyish Quartz. Perched close to the apex of the Sphalerite is a gorgeous, translucent blackberry purple Fluorite cube, with darkened edges and faces universally rough with growth development patterns. At 13.5 cm long, this makes a stunning large cabinet display specimen, remarkable in its form. Nature is indeed truly wonderful. A superb large cabinet specimen from Elmwood mine at Carthage in Smith County, Tennessee, USA.