Pyrite

specimen number:
2062503

location:
Sparta, Randolph Co., Illinois, USA

description:
A complete loose perfect all around bright golden crystallized pyrite specimen, these often referred to as pyrite suns. Classic for this area. A previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark comes with the specimen as shown in the video.

Commercial coal mining in the Sparta area of Randolph County, Illinois, began in the mid-1800s and expanded through the 19th and 20th centuries across various underground and surface operations (such as the historic Baldwin, Marissa, and Moffett mines), though most have since closed due to environmental regulations and shifts in energy markets. Geologically, the region sits within the Illinois Coal Basin, where coal seams rest roughly 250 feet underground beneath a layer of organic-rich marine shale. Within this surrounding shale roof just above the coal, unique flat, disk-like mineral concretions known as pyrite suns formed approximately 300 million years ago. These radiant golden sunbursts developed because extreme vertical pressure from overlying sediments forced the mineral crystals to grow outward laterally in thin layers rather than forming standard shapes.

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