1.55" Goethite Pseudomorph after Pyrite Iron Cross Twin - Colombia

This is a 1.55" wide pyrite "iron cross twin" specimen that was collected from the Guavió-Guatéque Mining District of Colombia. These twinned pyrite crystals are pentagonal dodecahedrons that underwent surface alteration to goethite, giving the exterior of the crystals their dark color.

The mineral pyrite, also known as iron pyrite, is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold.

It is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits, including cubes of all sizes, penetration twin cubes, pyritohedral clusters and as small druzy crystals that can exhibit a beautiful glistening effect.

Known since ancient times, goethite is a beautiful dark gray to black iron-based mineral that can take many forms. It was used in antiquity as a pigment for painting and has even been found in the famous caves at Lascaux, France.

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DETAILS
SPECIES
Goethite & Pyrite
LOCATION
Gachalá Municipality, Guavió-Guatéque Mining Dist., Cundinamarca Dept., Colombia
SIZE
1.55" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#174890