Floater Pyrite nodule (Texas!) James Carter Coll.

Item Description

Amazing variable patina and iridescence under bright light on this pristine, impressive, floater pyrite nodule from a local Dallas area limestone cement quarry. The densely intergrown stepped-growth octahedrons reach 4.3 cm. The dramatically variable patina is uncommon from specimens from the locale. James Carter Collection. James was a professor of Geology and former Department Chairman at the University of Texas at Dallas for 43 years until he retired in 2008. A true geoscientist, he studied and performed research on a remarkable variety of geological aspects. NASA asked Carter to help create a material that was similar to actual lunar regolith. The lunar regolith simulant, or fake moon dirt, he developed was used by NASA and other researchers for studies in support of future human activities on the moon. He passed away in 2019. We recently acquired part of his collection. Read about James at: https://www.utdallas.edu/news/faculty-staff/carter-tribute-2019/ Every turn presents a strikingly different perspective and coloration on this impactful Texas pyrite.