Pyrrhotite - rare penetration twin
stock #14.1-100
Dalnegorsk, Kavalerovo Mining District
Primorsky Kray,
Russia
4.1 x 2.9 x 2.8 CM x 2.9 (miniature)
price: $760
Pre Tucson
Textbook perfect, complete and sharp this is an unusual type of twin for Pyrrhotite. With small areas of Galena and Sphalerite, this is essentially all Pyrrhotite. In excellent condition as seen, no damage at all but the usual tension cracks are seen as is typical though there is no repair or instability. Great golden patina and displays well from most any angle, a choice Dalnegorsk piece and an excellent twin Pyrrohotite. Since Pyrrhotite is generally found in hexagonal crystals, the penetration twin has 4 terminations showing with six sides on each end, all at 90 degrees from each other. This is only the second such twin I have ever seen.
Golden metallic Pyrrhotite crystals in several habits contrast with silver Galena, white Quartz and black Sphalerite. In exceptional condition, there is no visible damage and this has several very different and esthetic display angles. These Pyrrhotites are unusually well-formed, highly reflective and sharp. From the 1980-85 era, these are fantastic for the specie, and much more defined than most of the more recent finds.
Pyrrhotite with Chalcopyrite coating
stock #21.1-344
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
5.2 x 4.8 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $480
New Year 22
An uncommon and attractive Yaogangxian specimen. Lustrous iridescent Chalcopyrite covers most of a stack of flat hexagonal crystals of Pyrrhotite. Only on a few edges are the original golden metallic Pyrrhotite crystals visible. In excellent condition, what may look like bruising on some edges is actually perfect and sharp. The multicolor patina on the Chalcopyrite is bright and sparkling which is both esthetic and very different for this famed locality. Individual Pyrrhotite hexagons are up to 5 CM across yet are unusually thin at just 2-3 mm on average. A choice Chinese Sulfide!
A complete and perfect elongated crystal of Pyrrhotite is perched on a complex crystalized matrix. The Pyrrhotite looks very much like two crystals side by side but is in fact a single crystal. Fine stepped growths and silky patina on all sides of the specimen. The Galena and Sphalerite are both very lustrous and the whole piece is damage-free. An older specimen from Dalnegorsk, this is vintage about 1996.
Pyrite on/replacing Pyrrhotite
stock #21.1-409-(ZSZ)
Contessa Mine, Santa Eulalia District
Chihuahua,
Mexico
7.2 x 6.5 x 4.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $1250
New Year 22
Fantastically esthetic and perfectly formed curving Pyrrhotite crystals are covered with bright golden Pyrite. In perfect undamaged condition, ex Arizona Desert Museum. The main Pyrrhotites are slender sparkling gold crystals. With tapering habit some also have twists or curves. The Pyrite on the crystals faithfully follows the crystal striations. A rare and impressive Mexican specimen, the matrix is a mix of sulphides (Sphalerite, Galena) with Calcite, Quartz and Dolomite. The largest, slender crystal is over 6CM long and crowned with a rosette of small Calcite crystals. Way more impressive in person, this is not a typical Mexican Pyrrhotite!
Pyrrhotite with Galena
stock #19.1-784
Dalnegorsk, Kavalerovo Mining District
Primorsky Kray,
Russia
5.7 x 5.3 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $290
Early summer 2021
A bright metallic, flat crystal of golden Pyrrhotite that is perched on a little Galena. From the prolific finds at Dalnegorsk, this looks nice from either side, and is in very good condition. The crystal is undamaged, has no chips but is contacted and recrystallized on one edge. The wide flat face shows some multiple stepping as well. The crystal has some patina and slightly variegated luster.
Pyrrhotite with Quartz and Sphalerite
stock #16.1-384-(CN5015)
Dalnegorsk, Kavalerovo Mining District
Primorsky Kray,
Russia
4.9 x 4.3 x 3.4 CM (miniature)
price: $320
new year 2021
Nicely composed miniature from the great Dalnegorsk deposits, ex Charles M. Noll collection. The Pyrrhotite crystal is perfectly perched, the wide terminal face is a brassy, slightly subdued hue and the edges are a brilliant golden with mirror bright luster. In perfect condition with no damage seen even with magnification. There have been many good Pyrrhotites found at Dalnegorsk yet it can be hard to find a miniature with standout quality and esthetics. Better in person.
Pyrrhotite
stock #13.1-395
Santa Eulalia, Aquiles Serdan
Chihuahua,
Mexico
5.5 x 3.7 x 3.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $190
new year 2021
A stack of aligned Pyrrhotite crystals with an unusual dull golden luster. These crystals have signs of some alteration and micro voids forming along striations, but the whole specimen is very solid and sculptural. An older specimen from Santa Eulalia these are quite different from the usual Dalnegorsk pieces.