Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-In-Rock, Hardin Co., Illinois

6.7 x 5 x 4 cm
2.6 x 2 x 1.6 in

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Ba₆Ca₆Mg(CO₃)₁₃

Benstonite crystals have grown epitaxially on scalenohedral Calcite crystals. The Benstonite crystals range in color from white on the bottom, to a yellowish white on the sides of the Calcite crystals. The interior of the Calcite is translucent, homogeneous and a light brown color. The surfaces of the Calcite crystals is composed of parallel, sharply pointed sub crystals which are a gray color noticeably different than the interior and may be a layer composed of a different carbonate. There are a few small, cubic crystals of Fluorite as well as some very small likely sulfides.

Condition: Fairly Good

Flaws: The terminations of both of the largest Calcite crystals are cleaved.

This mineral is also found in the following galleries: Minerals From the United States | Carbonates | Calcite | Rare Minerals | Minerals Priced Between 50 and 99 Dollars