Calcite twin w/ Pyrite (Kay Robertson Coll.)

Item Description

Two fantastic super sharp "Mercedes star" clusters of pyrite microcrystals are dramatically set atop an impressive mounded twinned pair of blocky calcite crystals from China. The "star" arms are both preferentially included and are embedded on the glassy, translucent calcite crystals. The long "arm" is 4.8 cm. The calcite has striking stepped-growth and striated faces under bright light. Moderate pink fluorescence. Complete all-around and essentially pristine, with only trivial bruising. Ex Kay Robertson Collection # 12899. Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien Welt" November-December 2017). 360-degree calcite with pyrite specimens of this quality and style are rare from Chenzhou.