Hardin Co., Illinois

19.3 x 13.5 x 6 cm
7.6 x 5.3 x 2.4 in

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Ex. A. Neely, Wrapped in Hardin County Independent newspapers from 1963

A relatively large plate of cubic Fluorite crystals with very attractive, vivid, yellow, blue and purple coloration. The underlying color is yellow. The blue color is in a layer on the surface and is up to 5 mm thick. The purple color is present as an even thinner layer right on the surface. There are small, up to 1.5 mm across, Chalcopyrite included in the Fluorite. Also, there are pseudomorph casts of bladed Barite crystals present. Where these casts are present, the Fluorite is opaque and the color is a lighter yellow. Many of the cubic crystals are translucent and even transparent in places, which allows the included Chalcopyrite crystals to be seen.

The specimen was originally coated with Calcite crystals and packed in a box with other speicmens in layers of newspapers from the Hardin County Independent dated 1963. Apparently, Aaron Neely, had purchased the specimens for his rock shop and never got around to unpacking them. The Calcite was heavily damaged due in part to the deterioration of the newspapers. The exact mine and even district within Hardin County were not recorded.

Because of the damage to the Calcite, it was removed quickly with a strong solution of HCl. It was most satisfying to find the revealed vivid colors of the Fluorite. There is still a little of the Calcite left. It was not all removed because exposure to the acid for too long of time can frost the surface of the Fluorite. With the exception of the where the Barite casts are, the surfaces of the Fluorite has, for the most part, a high luster.

Please note, there are many small, internal cleaves in the Fluorite and in some places, little pieces are missing along the cleavage planes. This does greatly decrease the value of the specimen which, with the attractive coloration, would be valued at least 10 times as much if the specimen were pristine.

Condition: Fairly Good

Flaws: There are numerous internal cleaves in the Fluorite crystals. Also, some of the corners of the crystals are cleaved and there are a few places where small, cleaved sections of the crystals are missing.

This mineral is also found in the following galleries: Minerals From the United States | Fluorite | Sulfides and Sulfosalts | Pseudomorphs | Minerals with Inclusions | Minerals Priced Between 200 and 299 Dollars