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Ozark-Mahoning Mine #7, 1980 Cave-in-Rock District Ross C. Lillie/Exploration Geologist in foreground
Fairview Mine-1961 Head frame
Victory Mine Carlos Ore body, typical room and pillar stope c. 1946
W.L. Davis No. 1 Mine, 1944 Track-mounted mucker with rubber tired truck
W.L Davis Mine #1, 1938 View of Headframe and construction just before completion
Ozark-Mahoning Company Main Office, Rosiclare Ross C. Lillie, Exploration Geologist, 1980 Note large fluorite specimen from West Green Mine just to the left of door . Cubes to 20 cm on edge. The corners were later chopped off at night by locals for cleavage octahedrons when prices increased to too tempting levels.
Headframe and shaft facility- Hill-Ledford Mine 1959
Grizzly and Loading Pocket- Hill-Ledford Mine 1959
Hill-Ledford Mine 1980 Photo by Ross C. Lillie
Good Hope Mine and Mill Fairview Fluorspar and Lead Company- c. 1920
S.E. Oxford Mine #11 Cave-in-Rock District- 1979 Photo by Ross C. Lillie
Rosiclare Mine, Rosiclare District Drilling and mucking in stope- 1946
Denton Mine Harris Creek District - 1980 Photo by Ross C. Lillie
Ozark-Mahoning Flotation Plant and Mill Rosiclare- 1979 Photo by Ross C. Lillie
Rosiclare Lead & Fluorspar Mining Company Mine and Mill Rosiclare c. 1946
Sub-Rosiclare Level, Annabel Lee Mine Harris Creek District- 1980 Photo by Ross C. Lillie Collecting underground The base of the Sub-Rosiclare Sandstone can be seen in the back, ie., the roof. Very dark objects in the foreground are actually large fluorite specimens with cubes typically 10-15 cm on edge. The specimens have rolled down the muck pile after the blast. Dr. Ray Guillemette can be seen collecting in the face where the pocket is open and loaded with specimens and spar breccia. Eric Livingston, company geologist, is on left.
Springfield Show 1994 Ross Lillie Everything in my booth was Illinois fluorite from this time period. I'd fill my van and take about 120-150 flats for sale at every show. This was a great time to be buying as three major mines were running, namely the Denton, Annabel Lee and Minerva. There was an abundance of specimens on the market. The lighter blue specimens on the light table are Minerva Mine #1 fluorites and the purple spars are Bahama Pod specimens from the Denton Mine. Prices would have ranged from about $45-$250.
Drilling out the face with Jack-Leg Cave-in-Rock District-1959 (North Green or Hill-Ledford Mine)
Hoist Room Hill-Ledford Mine 1959
Mucking out the heading Cave-in-Rock District Hill-Ledford Mine 1959
HARDIN COUNTY INDEPENDENT FAIRVIEW MINE- ROSICLARE April 1908
New Minerals On-Line March 5th
NSMW9395 SPHALERITE PRICE: $25. ROSICLARE LEVEL, NORTH-END, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Lustrous reddish brown sphalerite scattered over limestone matrix. Nice rich example of this type sphalerite from the ore body. Mined ca. December 1984. 3.5 x 8 x 11 cm.
NSMW9394 BARITE ON SPHALERITE PRICE: $150. ROSICLARE LEVEL, NORTH-END, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) High luster, brown sphalerite scattered and grouped over light tan limestone with associated amber yellow barites. This is a classic North-end piece in terms of association, nature of altered limestone and morphology and color of the sphalerite. In great condition. Trimmed and prepped by me off a large cabinet specimen from T. Wiesner collection. Mined ca. December 1984. 4 x 4.5 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW9393 CALCITE AND FLUORITE PRICE: $125. ROSICLARE LEVEL, NORTH-END, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) High luster brown sphalerite scattered over limestone matrix. The North-End of the Denton Mine produced a number of these sphalerites from both levels, namely, the Rosiclare and Sub-Rosiclare in the early 1980s. In great condition. There is one tiny little yellow barite that nils the location. Trimmed by me and prepped off a large cabinet specimen from T. Wiesner collection. Mined ca. December 1984. 3.5 x 5 x 5 cm.
New Minerals On-Line March 4th
NSMW9373 BARITE PRICE: $250. ROSICLARE LEVEL, VICTORY/CRYSTAL/DEFENDER COMPLEX, SPAR MOU9NTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Elongated group of blueish white bladed barite with associated dark purple fluorite. Three things nail the location, one, the association with dark purple fluorite, two, a small amount of iron oxide on the right side of the piece, and three, the morphology of the crystals which is a subtle difference from the Minerva Mine #1. In great condition with just one small broken crystal surface on upper right that is difficult to see when displayed. Mined ca. 1950s. Ex- Sam Nassar Collection. 3.5 x 4 x 7.5 cm.
NSMW9372 STRONTIANITE PRICE: $125. ON APPROVAL ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Acicular sprays of strontianite with associated fluorite on the bottom. Nicely separated crystals and good sized in length to 2 + cm. Typical condition with tipped crystals but I don't think I've ever seen one of these perfect especially older specimens like this. Mined ca. 1960s. 3 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW9371 CALCITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $250. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Cube of yellow semi-transparent fluorite in combination with numerous calcite scalenohedrons. There is some barite on the matrix which shows signs of preferential dissolution and inclusions of barite in the fluorite which is pristine. Very well balanced specimen in terms of display and in very good condition. A couple of calcites are slightly cleaved but the fluorite is in great condition. Mined ca. 1993. 5 x 6 x 6 cm.
NSMW9358 FLUORITE WITH CALCITE PRICE: $125. ON APPROVAL BETHEL LEVEL, WATERGATE HEADINGS, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium Cabinet) Zoned yellow and purple fluorite with associated drusy calcite and a couple of chalcopyrites. The Watergate Headings were named during the famous misdeeds of Nixon in the early 1970s. Lots of water in the drifts so aptly coined. This piece fits as far as color and association goes and comes with a label from T. Wiesner collection. No painted number on the piece but may have been accidentally trimmed or washed off. Mined c. 1981 from Wiesner number 3023281. In excellent condition. 4 x 12 x 17 cm.
New Minerals On-Line December 11th
NSMW9351 STRONTIANITE ON CALCITE PRICE: $20. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Radiating group of acicular strontianite on calcite. Sharp, aesthetic and well presented specimen. As is typical of almost all of these, the top of the ball exhibits numerous broken crystals upon close examination. Mined c. early 1970s. 2 x 2.5 x 3.5 cm.
NSMW9350 BARITE AFTER CELESTITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $25. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Bright white barite after celestite on brecciated purple fluorite. The celestite crystals are rhombic in character and lightly hollow in the center (lower photo). From a one-time find in the mine in November 1987. 3.5 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW9349 STRONTIANITE PRICE: $65. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Radiating balls and aggregates of acicular strontianite with some associated fluorite. Rich coverage and in great condition. Mined c. early 1970s. 3 x 4.5 x 6.5 cm.
NSMW9343 VEIN-TYPE BANDED CALCITE PRICE: $12. HARDIN/POPE COUNTY, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small Cabinet) This is a very good specimen of vein type calcite that shows the episodic banding typical of fracture filling. The vein was approximately the same width as the piece and the in-filling can be followed from one edge towards the center and matched like growth rings in a tree stump. This is obviously not a mineral specimen in the true sense but it is a classic ore-related sample. Judging from the age of the collection this came from it is most likely from the vein-type deposits of Pope County and probably from the Barnett Mine or that vicinity. 2.5 x 5.5 x 7 cm.
NSMW9339 CELESTITE PRICE: $25. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Fan-like spray of acicular celestite crystals with no point of attachment. Prior to the mining of this portion of the ore body and some discoveries in the Annabel Lee Mine, celestite was exceedingly rare from the district. Mined in 1993. 2.5 x 5 x 5 cm.
NSMW9337 BARITE PRICE: $20. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Small mounded group of bladed bright white barite. Clearly, there are two phases of growth with a massive snow white center and a secondary well crystallized covering. Mined 1993. In great condition. 3 x 4.5 x 5 cm.
NSMW9246 CALCITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $75. CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Glassy fluorite covered with calcite. Just a small corner of the fluorite is exposed which shows a gemmy brown/yellow crystal underneath. Mined c. 1970s. 4.5 x 10.5 x 11.5 cm.
NSMW9228 FLUORITE PRICE: $125. ROSICLARE/SUB-ROSICLARELEVEL, HILL-LEDFORD MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Dark purple group of fluorite with typical mosaic surfaces associated with specimens from this mine. The Hill-Ledford was famous for huge pockets that produced hundreds of thousands of specimens with this color. Nicely complete on all sides and in great condition. Mined c. 1970. William Schultz Collection FL-143. 4 x 6.5 x 8 cm.
NSMW9105 CALCITE AND FLUORITE PRICE: $250. ROSICLARE LEVEL, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Gray calcite scalenohedrons partially overgrown by lustrous light tan/brown calcite and in turn on a purple fluorite matrix. The morphology, sequence of paragenesis and color are classic from the Denton Mine. Displays great and a very sharp miniature from mining c. 1980s. In top condition. 3 x 4 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW8962 FLUORITE PRICE: $45. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CRYSTAL MINE, SPAR MOUNTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Deep purple fluorite over rich, amber yellow fluorite. The main crystal exhibits preferential etching and re-growth along one cube face that causes the crystal to appear curved with a transparent deep yellow center with purple halo. Associated Rosiclare Sandstone on matrix confirms the level. 3.5 x 5 x 6 cm.
NSMW8959 FLUORITE PRICE: $45. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CRYSTAL MINE, SPAR MOUNTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Grapey purple fluorite on etched yellow base. The etching on this specimen is from a combination of growth interference from enclosing carbonates and natural dissolution of the yellow phase rather than from preferential dissolution of barite. Dramatically exhibits the second phase of fluorite. 3.5 x 5 x 9 cm.
NSMW8950 FLUORITE PRICE: $125. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA POD, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium Cabinet) Group of deep purple fluorite with no attached matrix. Good luster and just a slightly lighter colored rim to add contrast. In very fine condition with only a minor nick on one corner. Mined 1994. 6 x 9 x 11 cm.
NSMW8857 GALENA ON SPHALERITE PRICE: $65. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA POD, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature/small cabinet) Rectangular shaped galena2.5 x 3.5 cm on drusy sphalerite. Mined in February 1992. 4 x 4 x 4 cm.
NSMW8855 FLUORITE PRICE: $20. ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Zoned Light yellow and light purple/blue fluorite. There are some tetrahexahedrons on the surface of one cube. Mined November 1995. 2.5 x 3 x 4 cm.
NSMW8852 BARITE PRICE: $20. ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Rosette of lustrous blueish-white barite from Miller's Ridge Area. Pillar robbing in November 1995. In great condition. 1.5 x 3 x 3 cm.
NSMW8591 GALENA AND SPHALERITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $450. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA POD, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Combination of bright silvery metallic galena and high luster black sphalerite on fluorite. Rich sulfide specimen with excellent aesthetics and form. Crystallized all the way around. Small cleave off one tiny crystal at top but otherwise in great condition. Mined c. 1993. 4 x 5.5 x 7 cm. Rick & Deanna Russell Collection.
NSMW8572 FLUORITE AND SPHALERITE WITH CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $850. ROSICLARE LEVEL, NORTH-END, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Beautiful combination of fluorite and ruby sphalerite with associated brassy chalcopyrites. The fluorites are zoned light purple and yellow on one side and blend to a darker purple on the flip side with abundant sphalerites and chalcopyrites. This pocket was quite memorable and distinct. Numerous superb twins were found in this hole along with dozens and dozens of great miniatures and small cabinet specimens. The pocket was some 4-5 feet long by 1.5 feet high and some 3-4 feet wide. This particular piece displays from any angle equally well. There is one small cleave off one cube (top left in top photo) but overall in great condition. Medium cabinet 5 x 8.5 x 9 cm. Rick & Deanna Russell Collection.
NSMW8566 STRONTIANITE AFTER CALCITE WITH BARITE PRICE: $250. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CROSS-CUT OREBODY, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) One pocket find from advance mining in 1990. The original form of the calcite crystal is preserved as a gray cast (lower photo) that shows scalenohedral symmetry with the center of the cast full of acicular sprays of strontianite. There are numerous white barite crystals on the outside of the calcite which may in fact be celestite (never confirmed as barium or strontium sulfate). Not in perfect condition but these never are. Rare and an excellent specimen 4 x 4 x 4 cm. Rick & Deanna Russell Collection.
NSMW8491 FLUORITE PRICE: $250. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CRYSTAL/VICTORY/DEFENDER COMPLEX, SPAR MOUNTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) A mounded group of very sharp and clean deep purple fluorite crystals. These are classic from the Spar Mountain Area and very distinctive for their sharp forms and aesthetic groupings. Excellent locality and in top condition. Trivial nick on one corner. Medium cabinet 6 x 10 x 13 cm.
NSMW8487 QUARTZ WITH FLUORITE PRICE: $45. LEAD HILL AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Group of intergrown stubby quartz crystals with a light smoky gray color. Associated purple fluorite identifies the location as southern Illinois rather than another Midwest location. The specimen is most likely from the Cave-in-Rock Mine which is just to the northeast of Lead Hill or perhaps the upper workings of the Lead Hill Area. Mined c. 1920s-1930s. The face of the specimen is clean but there is contact on the back. 4 x 5.5 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW8485 FLUORITE PRICE: $35. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CRYSTAL/VICTORY/DEFENDER COMPLEX, SPAR MOUNTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Deep purple fluorite with etched interior near the base. The etching on this specimen is from a combination of growth interference from enclosing carbonates and natural dissolution of the yellow phase rather than from preferential dissolution of barite. Excellent locality and in top condition. Miniature 3 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW8484 FLUORITE PRICE: $45. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CRYSTAL MINE, SPAR MOUNTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Grapey purple fluorite on etched yellow base with just a trace of saccaroidal calcite. The etching on this specimen is from a combination of growth interference from enclosing carbonates and natural dissolution of the yellow phase rather than from preferential dissolution of barite. Excellent locality and in top condition. Miniature 3 x 3.5 x 4 cm.
NSMW8477 CALCITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $280. ROSICLARE LEVEL, SOUTH-END, DENTON MINE OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Lustrous crystals of calcite to 3.5 cm with associated fluorite. The calcites have a low-angle rhomb terminations and prismatic faces. Excellent small cabinet specimen from mining c. 1988 probably from the the Butterknife Pod but there is some overlap here in morphology but certainly from the south-end of the mine. 3 x 5 x 6.2 cm.
NSMW8428 BARITE AND CALCITE PRICE: $250. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, MINERVA OIL COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Rosette of light pastel blue barite complete on sides. The crystals were formed on the very top of a calcite which is classic for this occurrence. Mr. Russell acqauired the piece from an older collection and there is a number painted on the bottom from the previous collector. Choice miniature mined c. 1960. Minor nicks on a few crystals but overall in great condition. 2.5 x 3 x 3.2 cm. Rick and Deana Russell Collection.
NSMW8403 CALCITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $225. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA POD, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Complex calcite group on fluorite matrix. The calcites have grown in parallel over a rhomb with the final effect almost resembling a sceptered crystal. Sharp, very fine and in great condition. Classic and readily identifiable calcite from the Baham PodMined June 1992. 2.7 x 3.3 x 4.6 cm. Rick & Deanna Russell Collection.
NSMW8357 GALENA AND FLUORITE WITH SPHALERITE PRICE: $450. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA OREBODY, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature/small cabinet) Combination of cubic galena, grapey/purple fluorite and lustrous deep brown sphalerite. The Bahama Pod was one of the premier locations in the mine for galena and some of the best specimens were found here in the early 1990s. This piece was originally in my collection and I sold it to Mr. Russell before I started numbering my specimens. My notes indicate that it was from the Water Hole Drift meaning that it was collected from the Northeast face. 3.5 x 5.5 x 6 cm. Rick and Deana Russell Collection.
NSMW8270 STRONTIANITE ON CELESTITE PRICE: $18. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Ball-like groups of white strontianite on celestite. The celestite is highly etched as it was partially dissolved and served as the source for the re-mobilized strontium carbonate. The association of the carbonate on the sulfate of strontium is extremely rare from the district and this piece is from the best series of pockets. Mined April 1995. Miniature 2 x 2.5 x 3 cm.
NSMW8269 CELESTITE WITH CALCITE PRICE: $15. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Plate of light blue drusy celestite with associated bright white tiny ball-like calcites and a few secondary prismatic celestites. These were highly sensational when they first came out since celestite was extremely rare before this occurrence. In fact, they were very expensive when the miners first found them and the prices only dropped later when more pockets were found. Miniature 1 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm.
NSMW8168 CALCITE PRICE: $125. BETHEL LEVEL, NORTH-END, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Lustrous creamy white calcite composed of drusy calcite scalenohedrons that terminate on flat rhombs that reflect well in displayed light. These calcites are very typical of this ore body and highly recognizable as such. Mined c. 1985. No damage. 4 x 9.5 x 12 cm.
NSMW8166 FLUORITE (Penetration Twin) PRICE: $220. ROSICLARE LEVEL, NORTH-END, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Richly zoned purple and yellow twin with excellent form and balance. A very fine miniature from mining c. 1984. In top condition with only trivial rubbing along a couple of edges. Twins from the Denton Mine were unique to this section of this ore body. 3 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm.
NSMW7946 FLUORITE ON BARITE PRICE: $450. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, POE POD, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Deep purple matte luster fluorite isolated over matrix of white barite. The fluorites, typically 1.5-2 cm, have sharp edges and flat cubic surfaces which contrast exceptionally well with the light background. There were a number of these excellent specimens available from active mining in the late 1980s and are essentially unique to the Annabel Lee Mine. This specimen was mined c. 1988. Some of the fluorites have internal cleavage cracks which show up when displayed. Medium cabinet 5.5 x 8 x 12 cm.
NSMW7842 FLUORITE WITH BARITE AND CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $220. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Group of brownish/yellow fluorite with brassy chalcopyrite and calcite. The fluorite has localized purplish color that is associated with internal etching. A sharp and clean fluorite from advance mining in October 1993. Small/medium cabinet. 4.5 x 7 x 8.5 cm.
NSMW7818 SPHALERITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $125. ROSICLARE LEVEL, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Deep brown, high luster sphalerite on yellow and purple fluorite. The Denton Mine produced a number of superb sphalerites from mining in the late 1980s. This small cabinet is a classic example of the rich overgrowth of zinc/sulfide on fluorite which is so typical of the deposit. There is a thin, re-healed fracture that transects the specimen which was caused by pocket movement and is common from many of the larger holes. Mined c. 1986. Roy Smith Collection. Very attractive. 4.5 x 6 x 7 cm.
NSMW7817 CALCITE PRICE: $65. BETHEL LEVEL, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Scalenohedral calcites bundled together with associated micro chalcopyrites. A specimen of this type would be found typically on the perimeter of an ore body as the fluorite pinched out and zoned into calcite and barite. It has characteristics of several locations but is very distinctive from the Bethel Level. No point of attachment. Mined c. 1970s. Roy Smith Collection. One cleave on a crystal but you have to really look for it. 4.5 x 6.5 x 10 cm.
NSMW7795 SPHALERITE ON FLUORITE WITH CALCITE PRICE: $250. BETHEL LEVEL, GREEN TRACTS, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Combination of deep brown sphalerite, light yellow fluorite and acicular calcites and bladed barites. This association in conjunction with the etched fluorite points toward the Green area of Ozark's mines for the location. I collected many specimens identical to this piece from the East and North Green Tracts. Excellent contrast and a classic upper level specimen that would compliment any advanced Southern Illinois suite. From mining c. 1970s. Roy Smith Collection #M1232. 6 x8 x 10.5 cm.
NSMW7777 WITHERITE PRICE: $65. BETHEL LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, MINERVA OIL COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Group of elongated pyramidal crystals of waxy lustered witherite complete on all sides with just a small point of attachment on the base with some purple fluorite. Sharp and clean Minerva classic from mining c. 1960s. Roy Smith Collection. 1.8 x 2.3 x 3.1 cm.
NSMW7773 CELESTITE ON BARITE WITH CALCITE PRICE: $250. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Combination of light pastel blue celestite on bright white barite with numerous snow/white balls of calcite sprinkled over the celestite. There was only one pocket of these found and as such this is an extremely rare specimen. Note: the barite is pseudmorphic after celestite. In top condition and a very high quality small cabinet/miniature from advance mining in November 1987. Roy Smith Collection. 3 x 5 x 6.5 cm.
NSMW7757 SPHALERITE WITH BARITE AND FLUORITE PRICE: $550. ROSICLARE LEVEL, SOUTH-END, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) High luster, black sphalerite on zoned purple and yellow fluorite with associated transparent bladed barite and tiny chalcopyrites. The overall cubic form of the fluorite can be seen as the sphalerite has 'capped' the fluorite as a rich druse. This specimen is most likely from the 'Butterknife Pod' as the date of acquisition is 1985. In top condition and a very attractive specimen. Roy Smith Collection #M676. Cabinet specimen 4.5 x 7.5 x 14 cm.
NSMW7737 CALCITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $450. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA POD, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Orange/brown calcites liberally sprinkled over purple fluorite with associated chalcopyrites. The calcites are very gemmy and contrast well with the fluorite. The Bahama Pod was the source of the finest calcites ever produced from the district. This is a medium cabinet specimen from advance mining c. 1992. Sharp and clean and very attractive piece. Roy Smith Collection. 5.5 x 8 x 8.5 cm.
NSMW7680 FLUORITE PRICE: $125. ROSICLARE LEVEL, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Deep purple fluorite over a yellow core and multiple chalcopyrites scattered across the surface. No point of attachment. In top condition. Medium cabinet. Roy Smith Collection. Mined c. 1988. 4 x 6.5 x 8.5 cm.
NSMW7596 FLUORITE PRICE: $65. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA POD, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Fluorite octahedrons, or diamonds as they are locally called, are one of the most recognizable collectible from southern Illinois. Literally millions of them made their way out of the county and into collections all over the world. Polished octahedrons and fluorites carvings have been around for decades and were either fashioned by the miners or local citizens who sold them as souvenirs or kept them as collectibles. They make a valuable sub-collection from the district. This is a polished octahedron with beveled edges and strikingly zoned in shades of blue and purple. Numerous micro inclusions of chalcopyrite add interest. 2.5 cm on edge. Mined 1993.
NSMW7585 FLUORITE PRICE: $65. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA POD, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Fluorite octahedrons, or diamonds as they are locally called, are one of the most recognizable collectible from southern Illinois. Literally millions of them made their way out of the county and into collections all over the world. Polished octahedrons and fluorites carvings have been around for decades and were either fashioned by the miners or local citizens who sold them as souvenirs or kept them as collectibles. They can make a fine addition from this great district. I have a good representative suite of these in my southern Illinois collection, and, in a brazen sales suggestion, I highly recommend anyone interested in the district to add a sub-suite of these as well. These pieces are bright, very colorful and exceptionally well polished. This is a beautiful light purple diamond with beveled edges and a small petroleum inclusion that gives it more interest than normal. Mined 1993. 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm.
NSMW7368 FLUORITE CARVING PRICE: $150. ROSICLARE LEVEL, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS For many years the miners and local residents of Hardin and Pope Counties carved fluorite into animals and assorted forms. The most famous of these artists was Squire Riley who did most of his work in the mid-1900s. This carving follows his tradition of rendering local animals from spar. It is a squirrel carved from rich sky blue fluorite in the Denton Mine. Sue Matthews did the work in the early 1980s and I acquired it from her at that time. 3.5 x 5 x 6 cm.
NSMW7348 BARITE AND CALCITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $SOLD ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Bright and attractive combination of highly lustrous pastel/blue/gray barite, light tan calcite and matrix of blue fluorite. This particular ore body was very pristine and absent of hydrocarbons. The specimens came out very clean and bright and blue fluorite was abundant either in the matrix or as cubic crystals. Mined c. 1993. A very beautiful specimen in top condition. Rick Russell Collection. 6.5 x 7.5 x 12 cm.
NSMW6959 FLUORITE ON SPHALERITE PRICE: $120. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Combination of glassy fluorites and deep brown sphalerite. The fluorites are transparent bluish/purple crystals classic from the Minerva Mine. Advance mining in May 1993. In top condition. 3 x 4 x 8 cm.
NSMW6813 STRONTIANITE ON CELESTITE PRICE: $25. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Balls of creamy white strontianite on bladed light blueish/white celestite. There was only one notable occurrence of this rare combination of strontium sulfate and carbonate from the district that was found in 1995. The celestite exhibits evidence of etching and dissolutions and likely re-precipitated as the later stage carbonate. Mined April 1995. In top condition. Miniature. Rare. 2.5 x 3 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW6577 FLUORITE AND SPHALERITE PRICE: $35. LOWER-ROSICLARE LEVEL, MAIN OREBODY, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) A combination of lustrous deep brown sphalerite and light purple fluorite with traces of chalcopyrite on the sphalerite surfaces. I collected this piece from a singular pocket near the southeast edge of the main orebody. It came from the great collapsed area of the orebody when the company was taking up floor ore in the thick section near the shaft. In top condition. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Mined November 20, 1981. 1.5 x 2.5 x 4 cm.
NSMW3969 FLUORITE PRICE: $52. 5.19 ct. ROSICLARE LEVEL, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Bright and attractive oval cut gem fluorite zoned in grapey purples. There is a pronounced rich, purple band that greatly enhances the attractiveness of the stone. Flawless gem from mining in the early 1980s. 10 x 12 mm.
NSMW2200 FLUORITE PRICE: $45. ROSICLARE LEVEL, BAHAMA OREBODY, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Lilac and grapey/purple beveled fluorite octahedron. Transparent enough to read print through. Depending on orientation, the fluorite is either light purple or rich purple. Mined ca. 1993. 2.4 cm on edge.
END SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SECTION
For Reference Only
NSMW4290 GALENA WITH HYDROCARBONS PRICE: $12. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MAIN OREBODY, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Single, silvery/gray metallic cubic galena crystal with octahedral modifications and a coating of black hydrocarbons. The galena is nearly complete with just a trace of matrix on the base that is composed of altered limestone and purple spar. In this instance the hydrocarbons have been completely devolatilized leaving a residue of brittle carbon which is quite typical from the district. Mined in mid 1994 during the pillar robbing stage of mining. No faults to report. Nice TN at 1.8 x 1.8 x 2 cm.
NSMW75 FLUORITE AND GALENA PRICE: $140. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, POE POD, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS An excellent combination of light purple fluorite, bright and lustrous cube-octahedral galena and black lustrous sphalerite. There is a trace of calcite along some of the fluorite cubes. The 'Poe' pod was a great producer of combination specimens during the advance mining stage in the late 1980s. It is very difficult to obtain good, undamaged, aesthetic balanced combination specimens of galena and fluorite. This is one of those. It's a dandy. 2x4x6 cm. Galenas to 2cm on edge. Mined ca. 1988.
NSMW76 FLUORITE AND CALCITE PRICE: $45. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS A classic Minerva fluorite with scalenohedral calcite and associated massive barite on base. The fluorite is distinctly zoned with yellow, light-purple, sharp dark-purple and the light blue-purple zones from oldest to youngest. This color and orientation was very distinctive from this orebody.The photos are really very close to the true color. This one was easy to shoot. Mined in April 1995. A very pretty specimen. 4x6x7 cm.
NSMW40 FLUORITE PRICE: $65. Rosiclare Level, Cross-Cut Orebody, Minerva Mine #1, Ozark-Mahoning Company, Cave-in-Rock District, Southern Illinois Highly transparent light blue cubes with small purple phantoms near the centers. The photos are close in color but the transparency is devilishly hard to capture. There were many of these sharp crystals found all through the early 1990s as Ozark advanced throught the newly opened Cross-Cut Orebody. I have just cleaned this one up from an old powder box I unpacked from 7 years ago. 3x5.5cm. A really sharp and clean miniature.
NSMW38 FLUORITE PRICE: $125. Rosiclare Level, Miller's Ridge, Annabel Lee Mine, Ozark-Mahoning Company, Harris Creek District, Southern Illinois A group of zoned blue and purple fluorite crystals. The largest cube stands out against the background to really display the zoning well. The photos are fairly close in color although the specimen may be a little bluer in person. From pillar robbing near the end of 1995. Good color and zoning. 5x6x6cm.
NSMW93 FLUORITE PRICE: $120. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MAIN OREBODY, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS A group of zoned yellow, dark-purple and light purple, lustrous fluorite crystals from pillar robbing in the main orebody of the Denton. There is associated sparkly calcite druse on a few crystals and honey-colored scalenohedrons on the reverse. The fluorite has classic Denton zoning and color typical of the main orebody. A very nice sharp group of crystals. 4x9x10 cm. Mined 1994.
NSMW176 CALCITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $120. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, ALLIED CHEMICAL COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Tan and brown very elongated calcite scalenohedrons bundled into paralell clusters and grouped over a very petroliferous fluorite matrix. There were a number of habits and associations of calcites mined in this portion of the orebody and this is an example of one of the more classic habits. The color variation is influenced by hydrocarbons as were all the minerals found here. The oil was both a blessing and a curse as it did indeed effect the crystallization to produce some of the most dramatic and bizarre material, but, it was also a tremendous milling problem. Mined druing the early to mid-1970s . An excellent display specimen. 5x8x12 cm.
NSMW177 CALCITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $120. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, ALLIED CHEMICAL COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Light tan colored very elongated calcite scalenohedrons in bundled divergent sprays on brownish-yellow etched fluorite. The center group is elevated and gives a nice relief to the specimen. In the early 1990s, Ozark-Mahoning mined in a very similar area and produced identical material to these calcites. However, this specimen was mined about 15-20 years prior by Allied. An excellent specimen of the classic 'brush' calcites from Minerva. 3x7x11 cm.
NSMW333 FLUORITE PRICE: $450. ROSICLARE/SUB-ROSICLARE LEVELS, HILL-LEDFORD MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS A large group of grapey-purple cubic fluorite crystals (to 6 cm) with no apparent point of attachment (a floater). Near the center of one area is a classic 'Bird's Nest' (5x7 cm) that is either formed by preferential dissolution of a barite nodule/ball, or, by an overgrowth on a hydrocarbon inclusion. Judging from the texture of the fluorite surface I favor the former hypothesis as the surface is scored and striated suggesting a barite ball. These barites, prior to dissolution, would resemble those from the Elmwood orebodies. The process of barite removal is most prevalent at the nearby Minerva orebody but these distinctive 'Bird's nests' are definitely the best from the Hill-Ledford. It is very unsual to find such a displayable example aesthetically formed on a fluorite group. From mining ca. late 1960s. An excellent, large cabinet specimen from southern Illinois. 12x16x25 cm.
NSMW335 SPHALERITE ON QUARTZ PRICE: $350. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, W.L. DAVIS/DEARDORFF COMPLEX, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS A plate of lustrous black-jack sphalerite crystals (to 1.2cm) intergrown with white,stubby pyramidal quartz crystals. The specimen is unusual as there is no associated galena which is typically seen when there is this much zinc. The size and shape of the quartz crystals is indicative of the W. L. Davis/Deardorff complex but not absolute, however, with the abundant sphalerite the location is confirmed. I have seen and personally collected similar-sized quartz from other locations in the district but the only association noted was purple fluorite . From a collection I recently purchased in southern Illinois, this specimen was most likely recovered ca. 1950s-1960s, but, can perhaps be as old as the 1940s. A very fine, classic Illinois specimen. 4x15x22 cm.
NSMW74 FLUORITE PRICE: $45. ROSICLARE or SUB-ROSICLARE LEVELS, HILL-LEDFORD MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS A group of purple fluorite crystals with pronounced zonation. There is a very distinct phantom classic from the Hill-Ledford Mine that is highlighted in the photo on the right. The Hill-Ledford was one of the most prolific producers of all the orebodies in the district. This is a classic very distinctive fluorite from that mine. Both producing levels are indicated because identical material was produced from each level. In the 1960s nobody paid much attention to the mine locations let alone the mining horizons. You were lucky if you got the right county back then. This is from the William Schultz collection who bought it in 1971 from mineral dealer Harry Sering. 3x6x7 cm.
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