Marcasite with Chalcopyrite, Dolomite, Sphalerite

specimen number:
2057142

location:
Picher Field, Tri-State District, Oklahoma/Kansas, USA

description:
The top of this matrix is covered with light pink crystallized dolomite and golden sparkling crystals of marcasite and chalcopyrite. Minor sphalerite is present as well. This is in good condition and quite nice. Collected in the 1960s. Mining in the Picher field of northeastern Oklahoma was part of the Tri State Mining District, one of the largest lead and zinc producing regions in the world from the late 19th century through the mid 20th century. Development began in the 1890s with underground shaft and room and pillar operations that extracted sphalerite and galena from Mississippi Valley type deposits hosted in limestone. The town of Picher became a major zinc producing center, especially during World War I and World War II, supporting regional smelters and industry. After production declined in the 1950s and 1960s, extensive chat piles and tailings left serious environmental contamination, and the community was eventually abandoned and largely relocated.

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