Pyrite (natural skeletal / etched crystal)

Item Description

Some of the most well-known examples of crystallized Pyrite are the classics from King County, Washington. They are often found in fine quality striated cubes and pyritohedra and typically associated with Quartz. Recently a friend of ours discovered some really unusual yet attractive "etched" / skeletal crystals of Pyrite with no matrix or associations at the Purple Hope #4 Claim (about 30 miles east of Seattle). These crystals were found as is - complete loose "floaters" in the pocket - and have not been altered in any way, other than washing the dirt off. I have to say of the many thousands of pieces of Pyrite we've seen, nothing like this has really come our way before. Our friend said that this locality is the only one to produce Pyrites like this anywhere in King County. The debate rages as to how they formed. Some contend that they are the result of a solitary solution etching that only partially etched the crystals, while others say the Pyrites possibly transitioned into Marcasite that later dissolved away, leaving the Pyrite behind. Some say that neither scenarion is viable, and they were formed by something else entirely different. This beautiful thumbnail example has brilliant metallic golden faces on every side, and even shows some basic crystals growth lines in the midst of the graceful etching patterns. This is unique material, and if you collect Pyrites or sulfides, don't pass up the chance to get your hands on something that is incredibly rare to find in such a common species.