Pyrite ps. Ilvaite, with Pyrrhotite, Calcite, and Quartz

Item Description

Complex, and very interesting, pseudomorph from the famous Nikolaevskiy Mine in Dalnegorsk. The centerpiece is one or two classic, chisel-point Ilvaite crystals that have been pseudomorphed into Pyrite. These Pyrites are well-crystallized, lustrous, and brassy, and they are adorned by numerous crystals of hexagonal, golden Pyrrhotite. It's a terrific combination, but there is even more. The matrix is covered by dozens upon dozens of slender Quartz crystals, and the majority of them are scepters! Nestled among these Quartz needles are rhombs of translucent Calcite. This is a fine small cab, both attractive and exceptionally interesting mineralogically. From the old heyday here, and a rare thing - I cannot recall seeing another such replacement.