large Pyrite w/ Muscovite & Calcite (Kidwell Coll.)

Item Description

Impressive and sculptural large combination plate from the famous Panasqueira Mine. The piece is highlighted by the RARE for the locale, scattered clusters of striking stepped-growth, splendent, brassy pyrite cubes. The dramatic large cluster is 4.8 cm across. The plate is multi-generational in pyrite - there are scattered globule-like clusters of small pyrite cubes and the contrasting patches of glassy, translucent calcite rhombs are peppered with pyrite microcrystals. The major host for the plate is coated "books" of pearlescent muscovite plates. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008) and probably dates to the 1970s or 80s. Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974. RARE and exotic style pyrite crystal clusters on this expressive large combination from the renowned locale. Mass is 2939 grams or 6.5 pounds.