Fluorite, Rosiclare Level Cross-Cut Ore Body, Minerva #1 Mine, Ozark-Mahoning Company, Cave-in-Rock District, Southern Illinois, Mined c. 1990-1993, Tolonen Collection, Miniature 2.6 x 4.4 x 4.5 cm $650. Online 1/15. SOLD.
NSMW12049
Glassy, transparent exceptionally sharp fluorite 'spear point' with no point of attachment and well crystallized on all sides. These specimens are highly characteristic of the Minerva #1 complex and certainly the finest examples have been collected there. This specimen is from the Cross-Cut Orebody and collected from mining in one of the highly petroliferous areas that enabled the high-quality luster seen here. Contemporaneous barite and fluorite precipitation interfered with normal fluorite crystallized and caused the fluorite 'spike' and 'nail head': late-stage barite dissolution revealed the process. Excellent miniature mined ca. 1991-1992. Tolonen Collection.