Description
Overview – A-Grade Fluorite from the Denton Mine, Harris Creek Sub-District
This listing features an exceptional A-grade Fluorite crystal specimen sourced from the renowned Denton Mine, Harris Creek Mining Sub-District, Hardin County, Illinois, USA—one of the most famous fluorite-producing regions on Earth. The specimen photographed is the exact piece you will receive, showcasing its vibrant colour, well-developed crystal habit, and top-tier clarity.
Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its genuine natural origin.
Fluorite from the Harris Creek district is celebrated for its outstanding purity, cubic crystal architecture, and striking colour variations. Pieces from the Denton Mine are especially prized due to their depth of colour, internal zoning, and association with world-class mineral specimens found throughout the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District.
Geological Background – The Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District
The Denton Mine sits within the Harris Creek Mining Sub-District, part of the larger Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District—an area geologically enriched with fluorite, sphalerite, barite, calcite, and galena. Fluorite deposits formed through hydrothermal mineralisation, when hot, mineral-rich fluids circulated through limestone host rocks, precipitating fluorite in veins, fractures, and open pockets.
The region’s geology is characterised by Mississippian-age limestone formations, whose natural fractures created pathways for fluid movement. Over time, these fluids cooled and crystallised, producing the large, brilliantly coloured fluorite crystals that have made Hardin County a global mineralogical landmark.
Mineralogical Features – Fluorite Crystal Structure and Colour
Fluorite (CaF₂ – Calcium Fluoride) crystallises in the cubic system, typically forming perfect cubes or modified cubic forms such as stepped or bevelled edges. A-grade specimens exhibit exceptional translucency, strong colour saturation, and minimal imperfections.
This specimen displays hallmark features of high-quality Denton Mine fluorite:
- Well-formed cubic crystals, often sharply defined with smooth crystal faces
- Vibrant colouration, including purples, blues, greens, or zoned combinations typical of Harris Creek fluorite
- High clarity, with internal structures visible through translucent areas
- Possible colour zoning, a signature trait of fluorite influenced by varying trace elements during growth
- Natural internal reflections, producing an attractive depth effect when viewed under light
Fluorite from this locality is also known for its responsiveness to UV light, often fluorescing brilliantly due to specific trace elements present in the crystal lattice.
Origin Environment – Hydrothermal Veins and Open Cavities
The hydrothermal systems that created these fluorite deposits operated under moderate temperatures, allowing slow, stable crystal growth. As mineral-rich waters infiltrated cracks within limestone beds, they deposited fluorite in open vugs and vein networks. This environment produced:
- Large, intact crystal clusters
- Well-preserved cubic structures
- Distinct internal zoning from episodic mineral deposition
The Denton Mine’s specimens are considered among the finest produced in the district, often recovered from pockets lined with pristine fluorite crystals.
Aesthetic and Collectible Value
A-grade Fluorite from the Denton Mine is highly sought after by collectors due to its:
- Exceptional crystal form
- Strong and consistent coloration
- Historical importance within the mineral world
- Limited availability, as the mine is no longer active
Such specimens make striking additions to mineral collections, display cabinets, geological study sets, and decorative arrangements.
Your Specimen
This A-grade Fluorite specimen was chosen for its high clarity, sharp crystal faces, and vivid colour expression. The photographs show the exact crystal offered, and full sizing can be found clearly in the listing images.
Your purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring the piece is a genuine Fluorite crystal from the Denton Mine, Harris Creek Mining Sub-District, Hardin County.
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