FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Bob Harman]

The Annabel Lee Mine was one of 3 mines in the Harris Creek District of the Illinois fluorite district. The other 2 were the Denton Mine and the Minerva #1 Mine. These 3 mines were the last to be developed and the last to close, about 1995. They all produced some great specimens.

The head frame of the Annabel Lee mine still was standing when I last field collected down in the district in April 2005......yes, that is me collecting at the mine. With some looking around, especially in the bushes around the parking lots, you could still find "ok" specimens.

A bit of important trivia: I have heard that some very limited specimen mining has resumed in the Harris Creek District. There is a contract between specimen collectors and quarry owners where routine blasting has broken into old mine adits in the district.
A few "ok" specimens were available at the recent Denver show. If mining continues, watch to see if "NEW" Illinois fluorite specimens are advertised.
Bob

[Dany Mabillard]

Thank you Bob for this interesting information and for the photo.
Have a nice day.
Dany.