Fluorite with Galena

Denton mine in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District of Hardin County, Illinois, may only have seven recorded mineral species, but my word, the Fluorite more than makes up for this low count!  A former Baryte-Fluorspar and lead-zinc-silver mine, its Fluorite specimens are world-class and this magnificent large cabinet to museum size beauty is a true showstopper.  With overall measurements of almost 19 x 16 x 14 cm, this is a major heavyweight, formed from one corner of a cubic Fluorite crystal with three faces and edges, the longest of which is 15.5 cm.  The Fluorite is a deep smoky blackberry-violet, tending to smoky purple-black, with faces encrusted with 1 to 4 mm cubic Galena crystals, mainly with corner modifications to the octahedral form.  Out from the two largest faces of the three-sided corner are developed smaller Fluorite cubes of the same colour and dull glassy lustre, appearing matt from certain angles.  This exceptional specimen is accompanied with its own custom-made clear acrylic base, with contour-milled recess and attached support arm.