Marion, Kentucky: World's Largest Collection of Fluorite

Mr. Ben E. Clement assembled over 50,000 pieces of fluorite (it's a type of rock) from 1920 to 1980, the year of his death.

Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum

Address:: 205 N. Walker St., Marion, KY
Directions:: Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum. The museum is on the west side of N. Walker St., a half-block north of E. Belleville St./Hwy 120.
Hours:: W-F 10 am - 3 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 270-965-4263

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Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum

The mineral museum is still open. This is an interesting museum, especially to be in a rural area in Kentucky. The museum needs more visitors, as I believe they are having trouble keeping it open. If you are in the area, it is worth the trip.

[Steve Head, 01/29/2007]

Fluorospar.

World's Largest Collection of Fluorite

The Ben, E. Clement Mineral Museum contains the World's Largest Collection of Fluorite (Fluorspar). Mr. Ben E. Clement assembled over 50,000 pieces of fluorspar from 1920 to 1980, the year of his death. From 1900 to 1953, before it became too costly to mine, this area was the world's largest producer of fluorspar (at present, China produces 99% of the world market in fluorspar). All tours are guide tours and the staff's motto is, "If you don't have a quality and educational time here, then it's our fault and you get your money back".

[Ron Stubblefield, Curator, 02/06/2000]