Fluorite on Sphalerite - Denton Mine, Illinois DS413

Fluorite on Sphalerite
Approx. Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.75 x 4.25 inches
Acrylic Base Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 0.75 inches
Approx. Weight: 551 grams
Locality: Denton Mine, Harris Creek District, Hardin County, Illinois

This piece sits on a custom milled acrylic base to securely hold the specimen, as shown in the photos.

Perched atop a sparkly cluster of sphalerite crystals sits a large purple fluorite cube in excellent condition. The fluorite is deeply saturated with purple color, but has a nice luster to the surface. It sits securely on a custom acrylic base that has been milled out to fit the base of the sphalerite cluster, with an acrylic dowel to support the back of the piece.

The Denton Fluorite Mine is very close to Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, and was operated between 1979 and 1993. It was among the most productive fluorspar mines along with Annabel Lee and Minerva #1, during the 1980's and 1990's. It is now inactive since 1994, with no foreseeable plans of reopening.