Huge, important USA Calcite stalactite (Ross Lillie Coll.)

Item Description

A HUGE, RARE and important old-time stalactitic calcite from an obscure Hardin County fluorite mine. Multiple curved stalactites dramatically terminate or coalesce into a single stalactite. The lustrous, translucent calcite has a rich golden-yellow hue and it GLOWS, when back lit. Surreal socket-like stepped growth features, some capped with dogtooth calcites add an otherworldly look to this most impressive 360-degree specimen. Complete all-around and essentially pristine, the tip was contacted against the large vug wall or floor. The 2nd Knight Mine was discovered in 1970, production began again in 1973 and continued to about 1982 (MINDAT). Mined calculated in 1978. Ex Tom Wiesner Collection and Ross Lillie Collection # 2293. Comes with a custom-made and engraved lucite base (valued at $295) for free. Mass is 6.4 pounds or 2.9 kilos. An overwhelming, extremely rare, large, museum quality stalactitic calcite from Illinois. Fairly valued at $4500 or more. Try to find another of this size and quality! This was one of 200 pieces from the Lillie collection earmarked for a possible exhibit at the Chicago Field Museum back in the early 2000's, that never got psat planning stages. It is dramatic, and just too big to fit in our drawers any longer so here it is up for auciton.