Goethite / Limonite pseudomorph after Marcasite (classic material)

Item Description

A very aesthetic and fine quality display specimen of the famous pseudomorphs of what for years was thought to be Hematite after Marcasite from deep in the White Desert near the border with Libya. It turns out that these specimens are actually pseudomorphs of Goethite (with some Limonite) after Marcasite, so be sure to update the specimens in your collection. My favorite aspect of this piece is that it features two distinct different habits or "styles". You can clearly see the piece is loaded with "star"-like bursts consisting of almost arborescent looking "fingers" along with less commonly seen pseudo-isometric blocky crystals scattered around. The piece has great three-dimensional form and is honestly showier than most we've had to offer in the auctions. The largest "finger" measures 3.2 cm long. The piece is essentially a complete "floater" with no real point of attachment that I can find, but there is a hollow area on one side where I suppose you could say it's not fully crystallized. This is a good one, and worth adding to any pseudomorph collection for the size, quality and beautiful combination of crystallizations. I love the fact that the original Marcasite crystals are still quite sharp and well-preserved after being replaced by the reddish-bronze colored Goethite / Limonite.