Fluorite, United States, Missouri to Wyoming

A brief appendage: numerous specimens collected in the the past 15 years were mixtures of quartz and fluorite. I saw no evidence of pure quartz veins; however, the quartz/fluorite veins were probably even more difficult to work. Many of my most interesting specimens have fluorite vugs in quartz or fluorite growths over quartz. Both are of interest to collectors but of no value for commercial mining.

Was the William Wise mine ever known as the Bill mine? There are records that it produced about 40 tons of mainly specimen fluorite in 1918.

I don't know that name; I do know that the Wise was only mined for specimens. 1918 is earlier than I was aware, but certainly possible. There are at least 4 other fluorite pits in the Westmoreland area. Presumably they were trying to duplicate the success of Stoddard (commercially) or Wise (gem specimens). The others are obscure, at best. At least one ran into the Stoddard problem: more quartz than fluorite. The others I haven't visited. A reputable collector that I know told me that his visits to them were disappointing.

In my experience, Macomb Fluorite specimens are hard to come by, but I do have the only piece I've ever personally come across for sale, originally from John Manley's collection (circa 1890's). For your preview here is a pic that john Betts took of it. It may not be the best quality, but all things considered, it may do. I will try to take a higher res photo if you think you can use it (Let me know).

There used to be a very large Macomb piece on display at the Smithsonian, just inside the entrance to the mineral hall. It easily topped the afore mentioned 100 lbs in weight. It was removed from display when the hall was renovated back in the mid 90's, but I wonder if anyone might have a photograph of that one?


MRH



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/05/2012 04:10AM by Mark Heintzelman.

Mark,
It would certainly be of good enough quality that I would want to add it to the article. It would have to be first uploaded to Mindat's official gallery rather than as just an attachment in an email.

Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.

Thanks for including Texas, Rock. When you mention fluorite, the Lone Star State isn't the first place that comes to mind.

Frank