Large Calcite w/ Chalcopyrite & Marcasite (classic) Bob Reynolds Coll.

Item Description

A fantastic, classic, large shark-shaped, doubly terminated calcite with iridescent chalcopyrite and marcasite from the famous Brushy Creek Mine and of a style from a single famous pocket found in the late 1980s. Sparkly intermixed iridescent golden and peacock-blue chalcopyrite and marcasite crystals preferentially coated the recessed areas of the striking lustrous, translucent gray calcite scalenohedrons. What actually happened is that the original crystals were covered with chalcopyrite and marcasite, and then the calcite resumed growing again, enveloping the original crystals in some areas and leaving the sulfides exposed in others, so these are phantoms. You can see the surface of the original large calcite inside the later, translucent overgrowths. Complete all-around and in great shape. The bit of noted bruising by the topline near the "tail" is certainly only a modest detraction. The attachment is along part of the base and at the narrow "tail" with the sparkly coated matrix. Ex Bob Reynolds Collection, a well-known fossil and mineral expert and former Curator of the San Bernardino County Museum. He passed away in 2020. A stunning sculptural and classic large two-sided combination from the mine. The piece displays well without aid. It is really dramatic material, for those who have not seen one in person yet!