Barite, Celestine and Aragonite, Annabel Lee Mine, Cave-In-Rock, Illinois

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: PX5-N75
Date: Apr 18th, 2026
Locality: Annabel Lee Mine, Harris Creek Mining Sub-District, Hardin County, Illinois, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 40 x 28 x 70 mm
Weight: 54 g

Description:
Nodules of barite and aragonite are perched on an underlying base of celestine and fluorite on this beautiful specimen from the Annabel Lee Mine, Cave-In-Rock, Hardin County, Illinois. Under all UV wavelengths, this piece shows a lovely pastel fluorescent response.

This specimen shows its brightest and most colorful fluorescent response under longwave UV (365 nm). The barite and celestine fluoresce blue/white and the aragonite pink. Following exposure to long wave UV (365 nm), brief green phosphorescence is seen. A nearly monochromatic, pale blue/white, fluorescent response is seen under shortwave UV (254 nm).

The Annabel Lee Mine was operated by the Ozark-Mahoning Company, and its run lasted from 1984 to 1995. Historically, the Annabel Lee was a prolific source of classic Cave-In-Rock mineral specimens, including many that are fluorescent.

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2020.