Fluorite, Galena and Sphalerite, Cave-in-Rock District, Illinois

One of the many terrific Illinois fluorites recently acquired from a large older collection. This cabinet-sized piece showcases purple and yellow fluorite cubes resting on galena and sphalerite. The galena cubes are particularly noteworthy as they are partially resorbed and appear rounded. This can happen when fluids filling the cavity (where these minerals formed) changed and became acidic to the galena and slowly began dissolving them but not fully. Sphalerite is present on one side of the specimen too and is crudely crystallized in typical sphalerite fashion. Note that a few fluorite cubes show some knicks and cleaves so this specimen is, unfortunately, not perfect but the resorbed galenas make up for a lot in my opinion. Both sides of this hefty piece are showy. Ex Garry Kolodinsky collection. From Cave-in-Rock district, Hardin County, Illinois. Dimensions: 9.5 cm x 14.5 cm