Pyrite (classic locale) Kidwell Coll.

Item Description

Striking highly modified crystallized pyrite from the famed Huanzala Mine. The basic overall form of the impressive lustrous, brassy piece is two intergrown octahedrons, with the large crystal dominating. Secondary overgrowths of large pyritohedrons especially on the corners and edges along with the small stepped-growth pyrite crystals on the octo faces add a surreal sculptural aspect to this very showy piece. Complete all-around, lower periphery wear is out-of-sight in the preferred display views. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). 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. Al acquired the piece in 2000. This mine is one the world's great pyrite localities and this is an excellent, highly representative example of this unusual varietal.