Siderite ps. Pyrrhotite with Quartz & Sphalerite

Item Description

Tiny pumpkin-orange, sparkly, flattened Siderite disks have pseudomorphed a sculptural intergrown cluster of tabular, pseudohexagonal Pyrrhotite crystals from this well-known Romanian mine. Siderite also partially coats the Quartz crystals in the well-placed cleft below the pseudos. The impressive, large, stout pseudomorph is 6.8 x 4.5 x 2.8 cm. The Turt Mine is famous for Siderite pseudomorphs after sharp Calcite rhombohedrons. The underlying sulfide matrix is sphalerite with minor, bright golden chalcopyrite. An outstanding pseudomorph combination from this ancient Pb-Zn deposit, where mining started in medieval times. Modern mining began in 1973. The specimen was mined in 2003, according to the former dealer label. Siderite pseudomorphs after pyrrhotite are uncommon and this is an exceptional and aesthetic combination example. Valued at $1000.