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Barge Traffic Pushing Down River on the Ohio near Elizabethtown 2010
Tug boats Tied up just east of the Cave-in-Rock Ferry 2010
CANVAS PACKING BAG USED FOR SHIPPING FLUORSPAR CONCENTRATES ROSICLARE LEAD AND FLUORSPAR COMPANY, ca. early 1900s
Ozark-Mahoning Mine #7, 1980 Cave-in-Rock District Ross C. Lillie/Exploration Geologist in foreground
Room and pillar stope Carlos Ore body-Victory Mine Victory Fluorspar Company c. 1946
Track-mounted mucker with rubber tired truck W.L. Davis No. 1 Mine Mahoning Mining Company 1944
Headframe just before completion W.L Davis Mine #1 Mahoning Mining Company 1938
Ross C. Lillie, Exploration Geologist, 1980 Ozark-Mahoning Company, Main Office, Rosiclare Note large fluorite specimen from West Green Mine just to the side of door with cubes to 20 cm on edge. The corners were later chopped off at night for cleavage octahedrons when prices increased to too tempting levels. The Mine Office was completed 1942.
Headframe and shaft facilities Hill-Ledford Mine Ozark-Mahoning Company 1959
Grizzly and loading pocket Hill-Ledford Mine Ozark-Mahoning Company 1959
Hill-Ledford Mine Ozark-Mahoning Company 1980 Photo by Ross C. Lillie
Good Hope Mine and Mill Fairview Fluorspar and Lead Company c. 1920
S.E. Oxford Mine #11 Ozark-Mahoning Company Cave-in-Rock District- 1979 Photo by Ross C. Lillie
Drilling and mucking in stope Rosiclare Vein Rosiclare Lead and Fluorspar Mining Company 1946
Denton Mine Ozark-Mahoning Company Harris Creek District - 1980 Photo by Ross C. Lillie
Square set timbering in soft ground Probably Fairview Mine ALCOA 1960
Mine facilities and Mill Rosiclare Lead & Fluorspar Mining Company Rosiclare District c. 1946
Collecting underground Sub-Rosiclare Level, Annabel Lee Mine Harris Creek District- 1980 Photo by Ross C. Lillie The base of the Sub-Rosiclare Sandstone can be seen in the back. Very dark objects in the foreground are large fluorite specimens with cubes typically 10-15 cm on edge. 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- drill man Kenny Clanton Hill-Ledford Mine Ozark-Mahoning Company 1959
Hoist Room Hill-Ledford Mine Ozark-Mahoning Company 1959
Mucking out the heading Hill-Ledford Mine Ozark-Mahoning Company 1959
Barge loading by car conveyor Hillside Fluorspar Mining Company ca. 1922
Headframe and integrated ore and waste bin Minerva Mine #1 Minerva Oil Company Brand new and ready to mine- 1943
Hauling ore to the shaft-bottom crusher station Minerva Mine #1- ca. 1960 Minerva Oil Company
Ozark-Mahoning Flotation Mill and office complex- Rosiclare Now owned and operated by Hastie Mining Company- the sole Fluorspar operator in the District 2010
Lookout point at Elizabethtown In 1937 the great flood was over the top of the gazebo cresting at some 57 feet
Flood waters on Main Street Rosiclare 1950 This flood was high but still some 7 feet lower than 1937
Hoist man Charles Stanford standing by head frame of the Pell Mine Eureka Extension of the Rosiclare Vein 1958
Headframe and ore bin Fairview Mine ALCOA 1960
Loading ore into truck Fairview Mine ALCOA 1960
Headframe and shaft facilities Parkenson Mine Ozark-Mahoning Company 1960 Minerals On-Line May 20
NSMW9693 FLUORITE AND SPHALERITE PRICE: $SOLD ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Light blue and purple zoned fluorite, typically 1 cm on edge, scattered over resinous brown sphalerite. The specimen has good three dimensionality. Mined March 1993 from advance mining in a very rich heading. Trivial nicks on a couple of crystals. 5.5 x 7.5 x 9.5 cm.
NSMW9681 FLUORITE AND SPHALERITE ON QUARTZ WITH BARITE PRICE: $65. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, W.L. DAVIS/DEARDORFF COMPLEX, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Mounded matrix of drusy quartz with several purple fluorites and complex aggregates of sphalerite on the surface. There are also abundant light yellow barites scattered over the specimen. This particular association of minerals is classic from here and along with the highly silicified and zinc-rich matrix all point to this mine. Mined ca. 1950s. One small cleave off a sphalerite but overall in great condition. 5 x 5 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW9666 BARITE ON FLUORITE PRICE: $15. ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Creamy white bladed barites on purple fluorite with associated chalcopyrite. Classic Annabel Lee type barite. Mined ca. 1985. In excellent condition. 2.2 x 3 x 4 cm.
NSMW9665 FLUORITE WITH CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $15. BETHEL LEVEL, MINE #7, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Zoned yellow and light blue fluorite with no point of attachment. Richly included with chalcopyrites. In great condition. Mined ca. 1976. 2.5 x 3.8 x 4 cm.
NSMW9662 FLUORITE PRICE: $45. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CRYSTAL MINE, SPAR MOUNTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Glassy lustered deep purple fluorite with sharp edges and a light yellow core. The edge irregularity on the lower left is from contact with another crystal and there is some natural etching as well. It is always excellent to have accurately located minerals from the Spar Mountain Area since many of the specimens were simply labeled 'Hardin County' or perhaps 'Cave-in-Rock' when these were mined. In great condition and fine miniature. From workings mined ca. 1950s-1960s. 3.5 x 4 x 4 cm.
NSMW9628 STRONTIANITE PRICE: $15. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Group of cream colored strontianite with signature acicular crystals. Normal abrasion on terminations. 1.5 x 2.5 x 4 cm.
NSMW9627 STRONTIANITE PRICE: $15. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Bright white group of strontianite exhibiting the typical curved terminations for the species. There are some indented, rather tabular places that indicate there was preferential dissolution of barite. Mined 1990. In excellent condition. 2.5 x 3 x 3 cm.
NSMW9610 FLUORITE PRICE: $85. DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Finely polished and beveled transparent light blue fluorite octahedron. I selected the polished pieces from thousands and thousands of rough octahedrons and put them aside for polishing as they were of exceptional quality. 2.4 cm on edge.
NSMW9609 FLUORITE PRICE: $60. DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Finely polished and beveled transparent fluorite octahedron zoned in lilac purple. I selected the polished pieces from thousands and thousands of rough octahedrons and put them aside for polishing as they were of exceptional quality. 1.7 cm on edge.
NSMW9608 FLUORITE PRICE: $125. DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Finely polished and beveled transparent fluorite octahedron zoned in light purples. I selected the polished pieces from thousands and thousands of rough octahedrons and put them aside for polishing as they were of exceptional quality. 2.6 cm on edge.
NSMW9593 FLUORITE PRICE: $60. DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Finely polished and beveled transparent fluorite octahedron with bright purple color. This is a very fine octahedron I selected from thousands and thousands of commercial pieces. I set these aside for polishing as they were of exceptional quality. No faults. 2.0 cm on edge.
NSMW9592 FLUORITE PRICE: $85. DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Finely polished and beveled transparent fluorite octahedron with bright blue and purple colors and tinge of yellow on one point. The yellow section is the center of the crystal. This is a very fine octahedron I selected from thousands and thousands of commercial pieces. I set these aside for polishing as they were of exceptional quality. One flat face (actual cube face) so specimen sits up with point on top. No faults. 2.6 cm on edge.
NSMW9590 FLUORITE PRICE: $85. DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Finely polished and beveled transparent fluorite octahedron with bright lilac purple color and one hydrocarbon inclusion on one face. This is a very fine octahedron I selected from thousands of commercial pieces. I set these aside for polishing as they were of exceptional quality. No faults. 2.5 cm on edge.
NSMW9589 FLUORITE PRICE: $100. DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Finely polished and beveled transparent fluorite octahedron with bright blue color and tinge of purple on one point. This is a very fine octahedron I selected from thousands and thousands of commercial pieces. I set these aside for polishing as they were of exceptional quality. No faults. 2.9 cm on edge.
NSMW9586 FLUORITE PRICE: $45. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CRYSTAL/VICTORY/DEFENDER COMPLEX, SPAR MOUNTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Glassy, semi-transparent light purple fluorite group. In great condition and a fine miniature accurately documented. 2 x 2.5 x 3.5 cm.
NSMW9584 FLUORITE AND SPHALERITE PRICE: $15. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Combination of lustrous brown sphalerite and zoned yellow and purple fluorite. Nice miniature from pillar-robbing in 1995 and in great condition. 2 x 3 x 3 cm.
NSMW9579 FLUORITE PRICE: $75. ROSICLARE LEVEL, CRYSTAL MINE, SPAR MOUNTAIN AREA, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Rich purple 'cap' on etched yellow fluorite. The Crystal Mine was one of the largest in Spar Mountain and produced for decades starting from the early 1900s. This is a very fine miniature accurately documented and in great condition. 2 x 4 x 6 cm.
NSMW9576 FLUORITE PRICE: $15. SOLD ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Group of deep purple fluorite with associated white barite on base. Nice tetrahexahedron faces on the cube. In great condition. Mined ca. 1992. 2 x 2.2 x 3.5 cm.
NSMW9573 BARITE PRICE: $10. ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Rosette of barite shaded in creamy white and blueish-gray. Very recognizable form and color from the mine. Mined November 1995. 1.5 x 3 x 3 cm.
NSMW9549 FLUORITE WITH CALCITE PRICE: $220. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) A group of glassy fluorite zoned in brown/yellow with light purple rims and associated preferential calcite on the reverse. Very sharp edged crystals and in great condition. Mined ca. 1992. 3.5 x 5 x 7.9 cm.
NSMW9548 GALENA WITH FLUORITE AND BARITE PRICE: $75. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Group of galena crystals perched on blue and purple fluorite. There are several pale yellow barites on the galena and these in combination with the etched fluorite matrix indicate the location as Sub-Rosiclare and the time frame of ca. 1989. The Annabel Lee was one of two mines in the Harris Creek district that produced fine galena. The other was the Denton Mine and together account for most of the best of the species. In excellent condition and displays from a variety of angles. 5.5 x 5.5 x 7 cm.
NSMW9547 FLUORITE PRICE: $SOLD ROSICLARE LEVEL, MAIN ORE BODY, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Plate of zoned rich purple and yellow fluorite with abundant inclusions of chalcopyrite. There is just a hint of light green/gray shale on the back that indicates the specimen was found associated with breccia or perhaps a thin shale lens near the back. In great condition. Mined ca. late 1980s. 3 x 6.5 x 10 cm.
NSMW9484 CALCITE PRICE: $SOLD BETHEL LEVEL, NORTH-END, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Miniature) Plate of lustrous, semi-transparent prismatic calcite. Specimens from the North-End of the mine are rare because the pockets tended to be tight, ie., the crystals were still coating the walls of the cavities instead of being found loose in the pocket. Choice specimen from mining ca. 1988. In great condition. 2.5 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW9477 BARITE PRICE: $40. BETHEL LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, MINERVA OIL COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small/medium cabinet) Group of bladed waxy barite crystals with pseudomorphs of barite after witherite on the base. This is mostly the 3rd phase of barite that was produced from a pseudomorph pocket of barite after witherite. Fine three dimensional form and in good condition with a few minor nicks on some crystals. Mined ca. 1950s-early 1960s. 5 x 6.5 x 8.5 cm.
NSMW9476 BARITE AFTER WITHERITE PRICE: $200. BETHEL LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, MINERVA OIL COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) An undulating plate of witherite crystals that have been replaced by creamy white barite. There are three generations of barite, namely, the 1st phase replaced the witherite (very bright white radiating-like barite around the rim), 2nd phase as the waxy crystals on top, and 3rd, bladed crystals on the matrix. These are really rare on the market. Mined ca. 1950s-early 1960s. In great condition. 6.5 x 11 x 15.5 cm.
NSMW9461 FLUORITE AND GALENA ON SPHALERITE PRICE: $60. SUB-ROSICLARE LEVEL, ANNABEL LEE MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Combination of rich purple fluorite and silvery/metallic galena on drusy sphalerite. Nice specimen from mining ca. 1988. One tiny point of damage on small crystal near the center of specimen and minor edge wear. 5 x 6.5 x 8 cm.
NSMW9460 FLUORITE PRICE: $25. CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, HARDIN COUNTY, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Zoned purple and yellow waxy lustered fluorite group. One small cleave off to the edge of larger crystal but otherwise in great condition. 3.5 x 5 x 6.5 cm.
NSMW9451 FLUORITE WITH BARITE PRICE: $125. ROSICLARE LEVEL, MINERVA MINE #1, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, CAVE-IN-ROCK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Small cabinet) Lustrous richly zoned purple and yellow fluorite with associated white barite. In great condition with just one small cleave off the crystal to the far right side. Advance mining in 1993. 5 x 5 x 7.5 cm.
NSMW9440 SPHALERITE AND BARITE ON STE. GENEVIEVE LIMESTONE WITH PRICE: $650. ROSICLARE LEVEL, NORTH-END, DENTON MINE, OZARK-MAHONING COMPANY, HARRIS CREEK DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Medium cabinet) Lustrous chocolate brown sphalerite grouped and scattered over light gray limestone with associated yellow barite. Classic North-End specimen from advance mining c. December 1984. Great balance and aesthetics and in great condition. ex-Wiesner collection. 6 x 10 x 13 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 SPHALERITE 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.
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.
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.
SOLD 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.
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: $SOLD 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.
ON APPROVAL 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.
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.
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: $SOLD 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.
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: $SOLD 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.
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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