Calcite (doubly-terminated) with Fluorite and Sphalerite (ex Ross Lillie Collection)

Item Description

The Denton Mine is world-famous for its beautiful, classic, large, multicolored Fluorite crystals, which are sometimes associated with attractive golden Calcite (very similar to those from the Elmwood Mine in Tennessee). This specimen features a good sized, sharp, lustrous, gemmy, fine golden colored, doubly-terminated scalenohedral Calcite crystal measuring 8.1 cm long sitting atop a dark purple cubic Fluorite crystal measuring 2.7 cm associated with dark reddish-brown Sphalerite. The back of the specimen features a bit of specular golden metallic Marcasite an additional partial Sphalerite and Fluorite crystals. A small bit of chipping can be seen on the top termination of the Calcite, plus a small cleave, but overall the piece is in fine condition and looks beautiful when displayed. It should be noted that there is a plastic display rod that is glued to the lower back portion of the specimen, but I honestly didn't want to try to remove it in case it caused any damage to the Fluorite. Very attractive, and a very desirable specimen for any Calcite / Fluorite collector or a fan of southern Illinois material. Ex Ross Lillie collection (#RCL1513) which according to his label states that it was mined in January 1986 in the "Butter knife Pod" at the south end of the mine. Valued at $1750.