{"product_id":"calcite-with-marcasite-brushy-creek-mine-missouri-usa","title":"Dragon Scale Calcite with Marcasite – Brushy Creek Mine, Missouri, USA","description":"\u003cp\u003eA dramatic \u003cstrong\u003ecalcite with marcasite\u003c\/strong\u003e specimen from the \u003cstrong\u003eBrushy Creek Mine, Reynolds County, Missouri, USA\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany amazing calcites have been unearthed from the \u003cstrong\u003eViburnum Trend\u003c\/strong\u003e mining district but perhaps none are as impressive as the \u003cstrong\u003e\"dragon scale\" crystals\u003c\/strong\u003e. Like this specimen, the calcite has a distinctive smoke gray colouration of its scalenohedral crystals caused by several generations of growth. After the original calcites formed they were later coated with chalcopyrite, marcasite or other sulphides. Finally, another generation of calcite overgrew the sulphides, encasing them, and creating the dark colouration. Exposed sulphides tend to be sparkling and iridescent providing additional interest to the already-dramatic calcites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a large specimen, weighing just shy of\u003cstrong\u003e 3 kg\u003c\/strong\u003e! It is actually the smaller, but more aesthetic, of the two \"dragon scales\" I acquired from Bill Rouslin's immense collection. It is composed of several scalenohedral calcite crystals tightly packed and partially intergrown creating a wonderful natural sculpture. All of the crystal edges and terminations are complete with no significant damage. The piece appears to be a \"floater\" with no obvious contact but one cleaved corner (not affecting any crystals). Note the colour-zoning within the calcites showing yellowish-gray, translucent edges giving way to darker gray interiors with a waxy overall luster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these were mined by professional specimen-collectors Mike New and Joe Kielbaso in the late 1980s and are we ever glad they did! For calcites, \"dragon scales\" are amongst the most collectible and difficult to obtain in this size and quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinerals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calcite, Marcasite\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brushy Creek Mine, Reynolds County, Missouri, USA\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal System:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calcite – Trigonal; Marcasite – Orthorhombic\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMineral Class:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calcite – Carbonate; Marcasite – Sulfide\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ex Bill Rouslin #453\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17 × 12 × 14 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rocky Mountain Minerals and Fossils","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52931112403226,"sku":null,"price":3000.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/6011\/1386\/files\/CalcitewithMarcasite_BrushyCreekMine_Missouri_USA6.jpg?v=1790099818","url":"https:\/\/keithrocks.ca\/products\/calcite-with-marcasite-brushy-creek-mine-missouri-usa","provider":"Rocky Mountain Minerals and Fossils","version":"1.0","type":"link"}