Calcite with Quartz and Pyrite (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

The famous Idarado Mine in Colorado was the source of some of the most iconic mineral specimens from any ore deposit in the state. This classic locality gets its name from the combination of the Idaho based Sunshine Mining Company and Newmont Mining in Colorado {IDA-ho + coloRADO = IDARADO}). This piece is a wonderful association specimen featuring attractive, thin, "dogtooth"-shaped white scalenohedral crystals of Calcite sitting atop a layer of sparkling / drusy Quartz with a slight deposition of brilliant golden Pyrite. The underlying matrix creates a beautiful blue color that shines from underneath the Quartz for a great touch. No major damage and very attractive up close. This mine has been close for decades, and you can't get them anymore, so don't miss out if you're a fan of minerals of Colorado. From the collection of legendary Colorado miner, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired, but mined all over Colorado and was most famously the former the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. Dave personally collected this specimen in the summer of 1978. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".