Calcite on Fluorite. Denton Mine, Hardin Co., Illinois, USA. ... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Calcite on Fluorite
Denton Mine, Hardin Co., Illinois, USA

This dramatic phantomed Calcite is an iconic specimen from the Denton Mine and the district. Mined in the 1990s, this specimen features a pair of superbly crystallized, glassy, and gemmy, rich amber Calcite crystals measuring 7.3 and 5.3 cm in maximum dimension, respectively, perched aesthetically on a base of lustrous and translucent, rich purple colored Fluorite. Both Fluorites are more translucent at the core and certainly more gemmy at the exterior, where the phantoms are visible. The phantoms are located mostly toward the rims of the crystal and are distinguished by lighter and darker amber zones within each crystal. Upon close inspection, it can be seen that the larger crystal is actually a twin with shallow re-entrant angles along the middle of them that define the twinning. The luster is excellent on some faces, while select faces are a little duller only because they have a subtle, very intricate growth pattern developed on them for added interest. These Calcites, along with one small outlying crystal, are set on a starkly contrasting series of translucent, dark purple Fluorite crystals that locally have a dusting of an early generation of tiny, colorless Calcite crystals on them. This is an outstanding example of the Calcite on Fluorite combination for which the Denton Mine is justly famous. Probably from the 1980s or early 1990s. This is a classic combo from the collection of noted Illinois specialist collector Dick Heck (second only to the Lillie collection in fame at the time), whose collection was sold off by Marshall Sussman in Tucson in 2015. A custom engraved base accompanies this top example.
Measurements: 5.00 x 3.46 x 2.99 inches (12.70 x 8.80 x 7.60 cm)

Provenance: The Collection of a Southern Gentleman, Ex. Marshall Sussman, Ex. Dick Heck Collection

Estimated Gallery Pricing: $6,000

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