Pyrite and Quartz on Muscovite (excellent) Schlichter Coll.

Item Description

An excellent, sculptural and uncommon CABINET combination plate from the famous Panasqueira Mine. The schist matrix is covered with clusters of pearlescent, gray-brown muscovite plates. Super-sparkly, brass-yellow, pyrite microcrystals preferentially and attractively cover some of the muscovite clusters and a portion of a partially hidden, glassy, water-clear quartz crystal. The Schlichter label says zinnwaldite, a discredited lithium-rich mica group varietal, but we believe this to be muscovite. Good muscovite specimens are uncommon from Panasqueira. This is a large striking combination specimen from this noted locale. Valued at $300-400.