Calcite, Chalcopyrite & Marcasite

Item Description

Chalcopyrite and marcasite with lustrous, translucent, gray calcite scalenohedrons are a Brushy Creek Mine classic. This is a well-composed small cabinet of sparkly iridescent chalcopyrite crystals preferentially coating the recessed areas of the calcites. What actually happened is that the original crystals were covered with chalcopyrite, and then the calcite began growing again, enveloping the original crystals in some areas and leaving the chalcopyrite exposed in others, so these are phantoms. You can see the surface of the original crystals inside the later, transparent overgrowths. The bit of periphery wear is certainly a modest detraction. The aesthetics of this complete all-around example are excellent. Uncommon today.