Calcite, Chalcopyrite & Marcasite (Cynthia Payne Coll)

Item Description

A striking, sculptural and excellent calcite combination from this noted locale. Chalcopyrite and marcasite with lustrous, translucent, gray calcite scalenohedrons are a Brushy Creek Mine classic. This very well-composed small cabinet of sparkly iridescent golden marcasite and chalcopyrite crystals preferentially coats 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 aesthetics of this complete all-around example are most excellent and the display view is pristine. Very choice material from the Cynthia Payne Collection. Valued at $395 by the former dealer. A Missouri classic.