Fluorite with Sphalerite & Galena, Cave-in-Rock District, Illinois

As a geologist I tend to like larger mineral specimens, especially if several species are intermixed like this piece. Here we have a cabinet-sized specimen of purple fluorite with embedded sphalerite (zinc sulphide) and galena (lead sulphide) crystals. The fluorite shows colour-zoning of different shades of purple. My youngest son remarks the cubic fluorite reminds him of his favourite video game: Minecraft! Although I have photographed this specimen "laying down", I think it may look more attractive set vertically if mounted properly. There are several knicks and chips on a few crystals which are fully captured on the video. This wonderful specimen is from Bill Rouslin's enormous collection which I recently acquired. Bill was from Rhode Island and collected minerals for most of his 86 years. From: the Cave-in-Rock District, Hardin County, Illinois. Dimensions: 16 cm x 10 cm x 8 cm