Pyrrhotite rosette on Arsenopyrite
stock #6.2-885
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
4.2 x 3.6 x 3.2 CM (miniature)
price: $750
A flower form composed of thin blades of Pyrrhotite crystals esthetically perched on sharp crystals of Arsenopyrite. A rare specie from the famed Yaoganxian mine these were found almost 2 decades ago, we have not seen any since. The main flower is 3 CM across with a dark metallic patina. The Arsenopyrite crystals are highly lustrous and sharp. Overall in fine condition, one edge of the main flower has what seems to be a small old rehealed break or edge contact, not at all distracting, otherwise the display side is perfect. A very choice Sulfide from anyplace and a superb piece for the legandary Yaoganxian or for that matter all of China.
Pyrrhotite with Siderite
stock #AX-27-204
Morro Velha Mine, Nova Lima, Iron Quadrangle
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
4.5 x 3.8 x 1.3 CM (miniature)
price: $390
Worldwide mix summer
An exceptionally fine, bright metallic hexagon of Pyrrhotite dusted with a few small Siderite crystals. Ex Larry Conklin, Terry Szenics collection. In excellent condition, this is an fairly old vintage Brazilian specimen from Morro Velha, and is the sharpest with the best luster I have seen. Morro Velha has the distinction of being the longest running Gold mine in the world, it is well known for good Siderite specimens but Pyrrhotites of any size are rare. This is a nice Pyrrhotite from anyplace but incredible for Brazil. In excellent condition.
Pyrrhotite - partly altered crystals
stock #13.1-086
Santa Eulalia, Aquiles Serdan
Chihuahua,
Mexico
5.4 x 2.9 x 2.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $125
Pre Holiday 2017
A well-formed cluster of Pyrrhotite crystals showing the in process alteration on several faces. The terminations are unaltered and have the typical brassy color. This is a 1960 vintage specimen from Santa Eulalia which at that time produced many Pyrrhotites. These are now rare on the market. In good complete condition although the main crystal shows separations from altering, and would have eventually split apart, so this shows well a mid-stage transition.
An oddity from the great Yaogangxian Mine, sharp rosettes of Pyrrhotite (rare at this locale) that are coated by secondary Sulphides and associated with Chalcopyrite and Pyrite. The Pyrrhotite has been partly or entirely replaced by what is likely pyrite but could also be Chalcopyrite. Both species are on the specimen's matrix. Delicate and well-formed this was part of a small find we obtained at the mine in 2003. I have not seen these since then. Uncommon and a nice example for any good Yaogangxian suite.
Calcite xls with Siderite coating
stock #15.1-414
Dalnegorsk, Kavalerovo Mining District
Primorsky Kray,
Russia
6.8 x 5.6 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
Post Tucson 2015
A delicate and very attractive Dalnegorsk oddity. Thin Calcite crystals showing multi phase hexagonal structures that are coated with iridescent Siderite. The luster and color are especially attractive. Some few edges have very small chips, most are pristine and overall this displays well. A few tiny Siderite pseudo after Calcite balls are on the matrix as well. There were not many of these found and none to be seen on the market now.
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