Stunner Denton Mine Fluorite Hardin County, IL

Stunner Denton Mine Fluorite Hardin County, IL. Denton Mine fluorite is known for its vibrant colors, often displaying blue, purple, and yellow hues, sometimes with distinct zoning or phantoms. These fluorites are typically found as transparent to translucent cubes, with a vitreous luster and sometimes exhibiting growth hillocks or stepped growth. The mine is located in the Southern Illinois Fluorspar District, a historically significant area for fluorite production. Specific Properties of Denton Mine Fluorite: Color: A wide range of colors, including blue, purple, yellow, colorless, and combinations of these, are found. Crystal Habit: Typically forms cubic crystals, sometimes with complex zoning or phantoms of different colors. Transparency: Often transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through the crystals. Luster: Exhibits a vitreous (glassy) luster, and may show a satiny luster on some faces. Fluorescence: Some Denton Mine fluorite specimens exhibit fluorescence, potentially due to petroleum inclusions. Zoning/Phantoms: A notable characteristic is the presence of color zoning, where different colored bands or zones appear within a single crystal, often forming phantoms. Associated Minerals: Frequently found associated with other minerals like calcite, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite. Location: Denton Mine is situated in the Harris Creek Subdistrict of the Southern Illinois Fluorspar District. Historical Significance: The Denton Mine was a major producer of fluorite specimens during the last phase of mining in the region.