ON APPROVAL-Fluorite with Calcite and Chalcopyrite, attr. Fairview Mine, ALCOA, Rosiclare District, Southern Illinois attr: Fairview Mine Medium cabinet 5 x 10.5 x 17 cm $1500. Online 12/10
NSMW11631
ON APPROVAL - The Rosiclare District was the backbone of fluorspar production for decades and set the bar for pricing and tonnage. Even though these mines were fantastically rich, specimens from them are exceedingly rare and especially those that are accurately documented. (The finest suite of Fairview Mine fluorite I know of resides in the Clement Museum in Marion, Kentucky. A fantastic array of specimens are on display there, identical in all regards to this piece). This specimen displays the classic mosaic textured surfaces and waxy luster from the mine and typical association with calcite. Mined circa 1950s. Trimmed flat on base and reverse to remove excess matrix. Trivial corner cleaves typical of mining era. Provenance: Keith Poindexter Collection (former ALCOA employee and likely collected by the same); sold to Roy Smith circa 2003; inherited by Ryan Smith (son); sold to Ross Lillie 2014. Entered into Ross C. Lillie database as RCL2428.