The Elmwood Mine, located in the small town of Carthage, Tennessee, has been an iconic site for zinc mining and the production of extraordinary mineral specimens. This article delves into the history of the Elmwood Mine, its notable contributions to mineralogy, particularly the extraction of Stellar Beam Calcite and Fluorite, and highlights the mine's unique contributions to the world of minerals.
History of the Elmwood Mine
The Elmwood Mine first commenced operations in 1969, with its primary focus on zinc extraction. Initially discovered by the Jersey Minièr Zinc Co. in 1969, the mine began its operations in 1975 and continued until 2004 when it saw its first closure. It was reopened in 2010 by the Belgian mining corporation Nyrstar but experienced another closure in 2015. Throughout its operational years, the mine was celebrated for producing excellent specimens of calcite, fluorite, sphalerite, and barite, contributing significantly to mineral collections and studies globally .
Mineralogical Significance
The Elmwood Mine is renowned for its variety of fine minerals, notably Calcite, Fluorite, Sphalerite, and Barite. These minerals are found in the carbonate rocks of the Carthage region, making Elmwood a key site for mineral collectors and researchers.
- Calcite: Elmwood is famous worldwide for its large dogtooth crystals of calcite, often showcasing a golden brown hue and sometimes milky white in color, with the largest crystals measuring over a foot long.
- Fluorite: The mine is also known for its purple-hued Fluorite crystals, characterized by their stepped faces and associations with Barite or Sphalerite. Some specimens exhibit dark points, suggesting an overgrowth of Fluorite on other minerals like Marcasite.
- Sphalerite: As the primary zinc ore, Sphalerite from Elmwood is found in lustrous, jet-black crystalline masses, often with complete or partial terminations.
- Barite: Unique to Elmwood, Barite appears as bone-white spheres, a phenomenon not replicated elsewhere globally .
Stellar Beam Calcite
Stellar Beam Calcite is a highly sought-after mineral for its metaphysical properties and its unique crystallography. While this article focuses on the general history and mineralogy of the Elmwood Mine, it's important to note that Stellar Beam Calcite represents a subset of the calcite specimens extracted from Elmwood, celebrated for its clarity, form, and the energy it is believed to possess. The mine's calcite specimens, including Stellar Beam Calcite, have been praised for their size and aesthetic beauty, making them prized among collectors.
Fluorite’s Spectrum
Fluorite from Elmwood is particularly noted for its color range from transparent to translucent blues and purples. The mine has produced specimens that are less common but highly valued for their clarity and color saturation. These fluorite specimens, often found alongside calcite and sphalerite, highlight the geological diversity and mineralogical significance of the mine.
A Rare Find: Fluorescent Minerals
While Elmwood Mine is not typically known for fluorescent minerals, certain specimens of calcite have shown unique fluorescent properties under UV light. These rare finds display a multi-colored, multi-wavelength fluorescent response, showcasing the unexpected beauty and complexity of Elmwood's mineral specimens .
Conclusion
The Elmwood Mine in Tennessee has made a lasting impact on the world of mineralogy, offering a rich tapestry of minerals, including the renowned Stellar Beam Calcite and a vibrant spectrum of Fluorite. Despite its operational ups and downs, the legacy of Elmwood's contributions to mineral collections, research, and the global appreciation for natural beauty remains undiminished.
