Calcite and Marcasite (ex Dufoe and Noll Collections)

Item Description

A hard to find display specimen from the historic mining area in the northwest corner of Illinois. I've honestly never seen a specimen from the Bautsch Mine before, but it looks similar to other pieces from Galena like those from the more famous Black Jack Mine. The piece shows multiple generations of deposition with the bottom layer consisting of "dogtooth"-shaped white Calcite crystals which are coated by iridescent metallic golden Marcasite and then a second generation of modified rhombic Calcite can be seen on top of the piece. The piece reminds me of specimens that I've seen from Shullsburg, Wisconsin, which makes sense as the two localities are less than 20 miles apart. The largest Calcite crystal on the specimen measures 3.0 cm at its longest dimension. The reverse side of the piece (not pictured) is filled with dozens of rhombic Calcite crystals. Great condition overall, and an impressive big display specimen that would be nearly impossible to find on the market today. I'm sure the piece is around 100 years old, and how often does one have the chance to purchase a large cabinet display specimen of this rare historic material. The piece comes with a label from the collection of Charles Noll and another from the collection of Jimmie Dufoe. Priced at $1200.