FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Robert Seitz]

Good coverage of the Tri State District, US in this issue - history, geology, mineralogy, etc. I'm planning on visiting this district and the Illinois - Kentucky Fluorspar District later this year and the entire article, particularly the listing of some museums I was unaware of, is appreciated. Are there any additional must-do comments from anyone for the Tri-State district?

[Bob Harman]

ROBERT, I just finished reading the Min Rec article on the Tristate district and a few lines caught my interest.

Having collected in southern Illinois, I might do as the article said: ask about specimens for sale at all the out of the way stores you might stop at. If you are lucky you might still find a place with examples or they will lead you to someone who wants to sell old stuff.

If you get to the more recently active Missouri Viburnum Trend district they should have examples as I have gotten some good buys in the past few years at our regional show, They are still coming out and are very affordable.

There are 2 must see museums. Ben Clement museum in Marion, Ky and American Fluorite Museum in Rosiclare, Il. They are across the Ohio River from each other. Take the auto ferry that runs back and forth across the river from Cave-In-Rock, Illinois. Nice scenic area with lots of good pix opportunities so take advantage of them. BOB

[Robert Seitz]

Bob

Thanks for the reinforcement. Both those fluorite-centered museums are on the list of places to visit.

Bob