Pyrite (superb old classic, museum-sized!)

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2020 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 24, for payment using PayPal or credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost, or please contact brandy@mineralauctions.com if you'd like to plan on picking up items at future shows or during a stop through Dallas.

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The Butte mines produced famous dark sulfides like chalcocite and covellite but they also produced really beautiful pyrite. They really are among the best from the USA when they are seen at their top level. This is a lustrous, bright, sparkling piece with complex pyrite crystals on massive matrix, accented by quartz. The large, modified octahedral crystal in middle is to 3 cm on edge. There is no damage to the display face - miraculous on a Butte specimen of this size. It would have probably been found in the 1960s or 1970s, not later. The quartzes really make it, by giving contrast. Mass is just under 1300 grams, or about 3 pounds. Valued $2000.
Donated by Les and Paula Presmyk, De Natura, with label.