Description & Provenance

The fluorite found in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar Mining District is a product of geological development that took place approximately 200 million years ago. The area was awash with elementally rich water that flowed through fault lines and fractures within the earth’s surface. By the time it reached the area known today as Illinois and Kentucky, it cooled to the perfect temperature and was in the ideal environment to crystallize into the mineral species fluorite. Illinois, specifically, was an exceptionally prolific producer of fluorspar for the United States of America. The area was mined from the early 1800s until 1995. It is considered a classic locality among mineral collectors and boasts well-saturated, cubic fluorites in an array of colors. It is especially known for its distinct color zoning where single crystals may exhibit multiple hues.

This specimen is a great example of its famed locality. It features a cascading cluster of intergrown fluorite crystals. The fluorites are sharply formed, cubic, and glass-like. They have a vivid, true-blue color with thin outer zones of darker blue and purple. Hints of purple can also be seen throughout the piece. When lit from behind, the wonderful color and translucency of the crystals is fully expressed. The piece also has excellent composition. Its interlocked, stacked crystals give the piece an incredibly dynamic, sculptural look. Furthermore, tiny details of glittery, golden chalcopyrite have formed on the faces of some of the fluorite crystals, providing a lovely, textural accent. This natural artwork is an American classic and would make an excellent addition to any collection.

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