Marcasite on Fluorite, Bethel Level attr., Ozark-Mahoning Company attr., Cave-in-Rock District, Southern Illinois, Mined ca. early 1970s, Ralph Heitman Collection; to Kalaskie Collection #42-17, Miniature 4.0 x 7.2 x 7.2 cm, $200. Online 12/15.
NSMW12475
Drusy marcasite (and probably pyrite as well) richly scattered over light yellow fluorite with associated drusy calcite. These are extremely rare from the district. Prior to the opening of the Annabel Lee Mine in 1985, this combination was very limited in both number and distribution. Reports of pyrite and marcasite on fluorite are listed in literature from the Rosiclare District but specimens are almost never seen either in museums or in collections which indicates they were reported but not preserved. They are typical of vein-type deposits- not stratiform. This is definitely from Ozark-Mahoning's Bethel Level workings (in my opinion) but the exact whereabouts in the complex I cannot ascertain. I believe it was likely hoisted from the #4 shaft. In excellent condition. Betty Kalaskie Collection #42-17.