MARCASITE

10415

Locality

Bou N'hass Mine, Oumjrane Mining Area, Alnif, Tarhbalt, Er Rachidia Province, Morocco

Dimensions (H x W x D)

8.5 x 5 x 3.5 cm

Weight

152 g

Description & Provenance

Marcasite is an iron sulfide (FeS2) that looks a lot like pyrite with its golden coloration and metallic luster. In fact, it’s even sometimes called, “white iron pyrite” because of its striking similarity. While they are elementally the same, both being iron sulfide minerals, marcasite has a physically distinct form from pyrite. It has an orthorhombic crystal structure, often identified as by a rectangular prism with a rectangular base, which is different from pyrite’s cubic crystal structure.

This incredibly aesthetic specimen is composed entirely of tightly intergrown marcasite crystals, including ‘spearhead-shaped’ crystals and even cockscomb structures. The piece has a metallic luster that endows each tiny face with a reflective shine. Given its hundreds of tiny faces, the effect is a glittering, golden shimmer. Furthermore, this cluster has formed in the shape of an elongated ring, making it a bit of a geological curiosity, and adding to its visual appeal. Between its unique, sculptural form and golden sparkle, this is a natural showpiece.

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