Witherite on Calcite with Fluorite, Bethel Level, Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock District, S. Illinois, Mined c. early 1960s, Large Cabinet 8.5 x 9.0 x 13.0 cm, $1200. Online 11/19. SOLD.
NSMW12005
An isolated ball of witherite, 5.5 cm diameter, on calcite with associated fluorite breccia. on close inspection, the ball is a group of pseudo-hexagonal crystals diverging from a center point and all terminating with similar length. This morphology, "Ice Cream Scoops" or "Snow Ball" habit, is exceedingly rare from the district. In my 35 years experience I have seen perhaps 3 or 4 specimens of this size and quality. Note the multiple generations of calcite with primary smoky gray overshadowed by stages of light brown and clear phases as characteristic of the occurrence. Mined c. early 1960s. In excellent condition.