Iridescent Pyrite with Calcite

Item Description

The Trepca complex in Kosovo has produced an abundance of fine sulfide and carbonate specimens over the years and this Calcite on Pyrite is a spectacularly pretty example. While not significant for pyrite, or calcite as a species, it is simply an amazing combination of the two species that literally sparkles in any lighting. This sculptural, statuesque cabinet piece can be vertical or horizontal. Translucent white, 1 cm, rounded Calcite crystals cascade down either side of the piece and they are emplaced on bright, sparkling coverage of iridescent Pyrite that flows down from the top to the bottom of the piece (or side to side if horizontally displayed) that shimmers in greens, oranges and yellows like a rainbow waterfall. You have NOT seen a pyrite like this - It's a very striking and aesthetic piece! The back of the piece is also very colorful. The back is also interesting because it shows how these things form in veins, and although there are no distinct crystals it shows a textbook mineral banding that is found in mineralized sulfide veins, with a center of super lustrous, scintillating black Sphalerite accompanied by some brassy yellow Pyrite and bounded on either side by banded, pink Rhodochrosite! Please see the video to try to get a better idea of the sparkle to this specimen, apparently from a rare and small find of 2018-19, we were told.