Pyrite Suns (3.5 in)

A golden yellow to brown, widely occurring mineral sulfide, FeS2, Pyrite is used as an iron ore and to produce sulfur dioxide for sulfuric acid. It is also known as Fool's Gold because it resembles gold, even though it is harder (H. 5-6) and a paler yellow. Pyrite is often found in quartz veins, sometimes even with gold. Pyrite crystals are common; it may also occur as grains or in masses. If struck sharply against steel, pyrite gives off sparks. It is thought that early man carried pyrite to start fires that contributed to his survival. Although Pyrite is fairly common, unique Pyrite Sun specimens such as these are highly collectable as they are found only in the underground coal mines of Sparta, Illinois. These unusual Pyrite specimens are found imbedded in compacted slate, amongst coal deposits which formed some 300 million years ago. It is theorized that the development of these striated Pyrite specimens is due to the great amount of pressure exerted upon them, forcing them to spread out laterally, rather than developing in a more common cubic form.

Size: Medium, 3.5" across

Locality: Sparta, Illinois