Fluorite, Galena, Sphalerite on Quartz (antique style)

Item Description

This rich purple fluorite from the old Illinois fluorite district has a deep, robust color like grape jelly, and a style and color together that is characteristic of the oldest mines in the district. The quartz association in particular was seldom found, and again classic for some of the older mines (prior to 1970s). While we do not know the specific mine, we are sure this is very old material. The large crystals run to 4 cm on edge, although most are 2.5 to 2.8 cm on edge. To be honest, all of the fluorite cubes have a small amount of edge chatter, easily visible close up but not visible at a distance because all you see is sparkle of the sulfides and color of the fluorite, at first look. The sulfides are amazing, and also old classics! The sphalerite is the style called Ruby Jack, which is actually quite rare from this district, in sharp and sparkling crystals to under 1 cm, with highlights of red color. If you look closely amidst the sparkle of the quartz carpet underneath, and the red-black sphalerites above, you can see small galena crystals here and there. And, look closely at the big cubes and you note that one is not like the others - it is easy to assume all those big cubes are fluorite but one of them is actually a nearly 1-inch galena crystal, that the eye just skips over and assumes to be a fluorite on first glance! This is actually a 360-degree or even a 720-degree specimen, and looks beautiful from any side, and multiple angles. We cannot decide what the display view should be - there is no correct answer. Although not pristine, it is nevertheless striking and visually impactful, and of some significance for this old classic USA mining district.