Purple Fluorite on Sphalerite from Elmwood Mine DS511

Purple Fluorite on Sphalerite from Elmwood Mine
Approx. Dimensions: 3.25x3x2 inches
Approx. Weight: 363 grams
Locality: Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennesee
The Elmwood Mine, located near Carthage in Smith County, Tennessee, is one of North America’s most celebrated mineral localities. Originally developed as a zinc ore mine in the late 1960s, it began full production in 1975 and operated intermittently through the early 2000s and 2010s before ultimately closing in 2023. Though its primary economic purpose was zinc extraction, Elmwood gained worldwide acclaim for the exceptional specimens that accompanied the ore.

What makes Elmwood legendary among collectors is its world-class suite of minerals — especially deep purple fluorite cubes, massive golden calcite crystals, lustrous sphalerite, and unique barite “snowballs.” These species often occur in striking associations, with richly colored fluorite perched on dark sphalerite or contrasted against bright calcite, creating dramatic display pieces coveted by enthusiasts and museums alike.

Collectors prize Elmwood specimens for their superb crystal quality, vivid colors, and aesthetically balanced combinations, which are considered benchmarks of American mineral collecting. Because the mine is now closed and fine material is increasingly rare, classic Elmwood pieces have become even more desirable, commanding high prices and admiration in the mineral world.