Pyrite and Quartz (excellent - classic locale)

Item Description

The Butte mines have arguably produced some of the finest pyrites in the USA and this combination specimen is a fine example. Intergrown, mirror-bright, very well-striated, brassy, highly modified pyritohedrons comprise this showy specimen. The striking large crystal on the end is 3.1 cm across. The very sculptural form is enhanced by the rich cloaking of sprays of glassy quartz points. Some of the pyrite faces have a preferential coating of iron oxides characteristic of this locality. Also, the matrix rock is Butte material, and not the sulfide-jumble or massive pyrite of more common, contemporary, Peruvian material. Pristine, although with the base sawed to enhance how it sits for a considerable display quality. Showy and excellent combination material from this famed locale, dating to the 1950s - early 70s heyday I am sure. Ex Robert Whitmore collection. valued $500-600