Benstonite on Calcite, Bethel Level Minerva #1 Mine, Minerva Oil Company, Cave-in-Rock District, Southern Illinois, Mined ca. early 1960's, Noll Collection #1608, Small Cabinet 5.0 x 5.0 x 10.0 cm, $850. Online 03/07. SOLD.
NSMW12145
Spires of acicular calcite richly covered with epitaxial benstonite. Typical spire is 2-3.5 cm. Note matrix shows classic overgrowth of benstonite on calcite. Excellent, pristine example of one of the rarest late-stage carbonates from the district. Provenance: Marquette University: Charles Noll Collection #1608; Mr. Noll acquired specimen from the collection of Jimmie DuFoe ca. 1980s.