Fluorite (GEMMY bi-color crystal) (ex Ross Lillie)

Item Description

A wonderful small cabinet Fluorite from the famous Denton Mine. A good sized, sharp, lustrous, well-formed GEMMY golden color cube transitions into etched light purple color Fluorite on the outer edges. The sides and back of the piece are actually crystallized (or recrystallized), so the piece is nearly a complete "floater", save a spot on the base where it was removed from the pocket wall. It's fascinating to see that the golden section of the crystal is virtually WATER CLEAR while the lilac areas are translucent. A few minor golden Chalcopyrite crystals make for a nice touch to this attractive specimen from this historic mining district. From the collection of Ross Lillie (# RCL0175) and his label states that it was self-collected on May 9, 1984 in the "first specimen pocket in the new orebody". I have to say that at first glance, the piece made me think of similar looking examples from the Elmwood Mine in Tennessee. The combination of the golden and lilac hues along with the hydrothermal etching are certainly characteristic from Elmwood, but the association of Chalcopyrite immediately makes it from Southern Illinois. A great add for your collection, especially if you collect Fluorites, Hardin County specimens or just nice display piece. Valued in the inventory at $1,200.