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Fluorite, Benson Mine attr., Spar Mountain Area, Cave-in-Rock District, Southern Illinois, Kalaskie Collection #42-58, Small Cabinet 5.0 x 6.0 x 8.0 cm, $125. Online 11/6.

NSMW12895

  • $ 12500


Zoned light rosy-purple and clear fluorite with very well developed hoppered surface. Note etched luster and presence of iron oxide as typical of near surface deposits. In excellent condition. Betty Kalaskie Collection #42-58. Note: provenance provided by Ms. Kalaskie's label which states "Very Rare. Only 1 pocket ever found in this mine". My comments: It is more likely that this piece was collected from near surface workings adjacent to the Hastie Mine Quarry in the spar Mountain Area. I believe it to be from an exposed topographic low between Lead Hill and Spar Mountain. The Benzon property attribution may be correct as this mining company did have operations in this area but the statement made to Ms. Kalaskie by the seller that only 1 pocket was ever found is 'overstated': RCL.