Fluorite Butterflies on Quartz Crystal Base

Fluorite is the "State Mineral" of Illinois. Fluorite forms in a variety of colors and is transparent to translucent in clarity. The chemical composition of Fluorite is CaF2, (calcium & fluorine.) The variation in colors are due to trace amounts of other elements replacing the calcium during the crystalline formation. 

Fluorite is used in a variety of industrial purposes and the overwhelming percentage of Fluorite in the United States was mined in Illinois and Kentucky. Illinois became the leading Fluorite producer in the early 1940's, but during the 1990's, 90% of the U.S. Fluorite was imported with Illinois remaining the last U.S. producer.

Fluorite was was mined deep underground with many of the mines over 1,200 feet deep. The last Illinois mine was capped and flooded in 1995. 

Clear Quartz is one one of the most admired minerals by both geology enthusiasts and those practicing the Metaphysical properties of minerals. Quartz is composed of silica (SiO2), and forms an important part of most igneous rocks. Quartz occurs in crystalline masses, and when conditions permit, it forms hexagonal crystals. Perfect crystals are rare. Industrially, crystal Quartz can be cut in a certain way in order for it to produce an electrical charge. This effect makes Quartz very useful for radio, television, and radar. Colors or inclusions in Quartz are due to the presence of other minerals (particularly iron), combining with Quartz during its formation. Common varieties are rose quartz, amethyst, citrine, rutilated, and tourmalinated quartz.