A superb example of the rare green nickel-rich witherites found only here in Illinois, and only in a few pockets over the decades. This is one of the most beautiful and elegant examples, known - and a big size as well. Ross Lillie kept it in his personal collection until time of sale, while letting others go, for these reasons. Mined November 1995 in one of the last major described finds in the district, from the Bethel level of this mine. Ross C. Lillie #1481, and one of the treasures among the nonfluorites in his massive, definitive collection of the Illinois district (we purchased the majority of specimens in a loose partnership with another dealer, around 2012). No other collection ever equalled this - which is not to say that all his pieces were world class. But many, like this, were as good as anybody could get, and he had the best access of all. Funny enough, he somehow missed this pocket and had to buy this piece later from friend and competitor in collecting Midwest minerals, Joe Kielbaso (in 1998).