Description

This cubic Iron Pyrite in Marlstone matrix is from the Victoria Mine in Navajun, La Riota Spain. Pyrite from the Victoria mine is often mirror-bright, sharp and perfect; these are generally regarded as the world’s best cubic crystals of pyrite. As is true throughout the world of minerals, usually the larger crystals are not as brilliantly lustrous and razor sharp as the smaller ones- although stunning, jaw-dropping large crystals have been found here. The pyrite commonly occurs demonstrating simple cube morphology, although other crystal forms are also found at the Victoria mines. Crystals range in size from 1mm up to rarely, about 20cm. The host rock is marl, dating to the Cretaceous period (spanning approximately the period from 145 to 66 million years ago) Marl or Marlstone is a carbonate-rich mud or mudstone which contains variable amounts of clays and silt. The dominant carbonate mineral in most marls is calcite, but other carbonate minerals such as aragonite or dolomite may be present. The matrix itself is incredibly weak and friable, and water causes it to deteriorate.

Easy step by step instructions. Simply fill up a tray of water, place the rock in the tray, wait until the matrix gets soft, and carefully begin to crumble the rock with your hands. Have fun and enjoy your new findings!