Pyrite on Belemnite

specimen number:
2063462

location:
Dzheganas river, Ust-Dzhegutinsky, Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia

description:
A pencil shaped belemnite fossil, on one side this hosting a glittering golden ball of crystallized pyrite measuring 2.5 cm in diameter. No points of attachment, in great condition all around. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

Located in the mountainous terrain of the Ust-Dzhegutinsky District within Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia, the Dzheganas River region features sedimentary strata dating back to the Mesozoic era. Local collecting activities along the riverbanks have uncovered unique fossil and mineral assemblages, most notably belemnite guards associated with sparkling, brassy pyrite concretions. These specimens formed when iron sulfide precipitated around the extinct, squid-like cephalopod fossils buried in the marine sediments. The striking contrast between the dark, tapered calcite rostra of the belemnites and the bright, metallic spheres of crystallized pyrite has made these rare combination pieces highly sought after by international fossil and mineral collectors.

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