Marcasite with Quartz

specimen number:
2171007

location:
Washington Co., Missouri, USA

description:
Mining in this Missouri county first commenced in the early to mid 1700s. Most underground mining was finished by the late 1800s to early 1900s. The area was mined for lead. In later days surface deposits were mined some for lead but mainly for barite to be used in the oil industry. The specimen is from a new find. The collectors at this time will not divulge the exact locality, however I'm quite sure that this is coming from an old underground mine. In 40 years of collecting minerals in this state, I have not seen anything quite like this. Very attractive micro crystals of iridescent marcasite scattered richly throughout both sides of this reddish micro sparkling quartz crystal covered matrix. There are several what appear to be at the morphs of marcasite after a previously prismatic mineral, most likely barite, to 1.0 cm on the far right edge of the piece. This sits perfectly by itself on a sawn base. Minor masses of barite, and crystallize sphalerite on the backside. The sphalerite shows some damage, but from the front this is in great condition. Measures 19.0 x 17.0 x 5.0 cm. Shipping weight: 5.7 pounds.

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