The Clement Mineral Collection

The collection is composed of thousands of fluorite crystal specimens, ranging in weight from a fraction of an ounce to hundreds of pounds. Each specimen was a rare accidental find from one of the numerous ore bodies that were exploited in the area between 1900 and 1980. Because the veins of fluorite in each mine had their own distinctive character, the 60-year collection can never be duplicated or equaled. The collection is accessible, not just to scientists and collectors, but also to the general public. The museum opened full time on June 01, 1996.

John D. Kiefer, Assistant State Geologist with the Kentucky Geological Survey, Wrote,

"The collection of fluorite specimens assembled by Ben Clement during his long association with the fluorite industry is unique and perhaps the best of its kind in the world. Specimens in the collection illustrate the wide variety of types and colors of fluorite and its many different mineral associations. Properly displayed and enhanced with descriptive diagrams and information, this collection attracts students from all over the United States and around the world."

Also preserved with the collection are old photographs, maps, letters, records, mining equipment, and other items of historical and geological significance from Mr. Clement's personal files and his mining operations.

In addition to the magnificent fluorite samples, there are many other rare mineral specimens, fossils, and exquisite fluorite carvings and faceted gemstones. Displayed are 30 fluorite folk art animal carvings by Mr. Squire Riley in the late 1940's and early 1950's. He was a night watchman at the Fairview mine in Rosiclare, Illinois. The museum has a special display of sixty rare faceted fluorite gemstones cut in the 1950's by George O. Wild of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Mr. Wild's correspondence with Mr. Clement is preserved in the museum.

It was Mr. Clement's dream, especially in the closing years of his life, for the collection to be on permanent display in Marion at a place accessible not just to scientists and university groups but also to the general public.

The Building

The Clement Mineral Museum is housed in the former Crittenden County Elementary School Annex to Fohs Hall. The Collection was originally planned to be housed in Fohs Hall itself, but proved to be too large for Fohs Hall, so the annex was purchased in 1992 just exhibit the Clement Mineral Collection. By November of 2000 there will be a total of five large display areas for public viewing.


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