Siderite (ex Geary Murdock Collection)

Item Description

The massive zinc-producing Eagle Mine is probably best known for its pyritohedral Pyrite specimens, but it produced some really attractive and iconic Siderites. These classic Siderite specimens from the Eagle Mine are some of the most recognizable and attractive specimens from Colorado. They are not the typical blocky rhombic habit like those seen from a lot of other ore bodies in Colorado, but rather highly compressed rhombs that can often form beautiful "rosettes". This piece hosts dozens of sharp, soft golden color flattened rhombohedra of Siderite a thin layer of Sphalerite matrix. The largest crystal measures 1.1 cm across. This mine is long defunct and will never produce these specimens again. They are highly prized among Colorado collectors for their unique form and obvious beauty. From the worldwide collection of noted Idaho collector Geary Murdock. Among other accomplishments, Geary was responsible for discovering some of the finest gem grade deep blue Aquamarine crystals in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho - which remain arguably the finest Aquamarines from any North American locality. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/36634006/geary-jack-murdock