Calcite with Hematite, Chalcopyrite

specimen number:
2062734

location:
Pilot Knob Mine, Iron Co., Missouri, USA

description:
A fine old timer with scalenohedral crystals of calcite to 4.0 cm in size across the top and bottom of matrix. The entire specimen is dusted with reddish-brown hematite. Small golden crystals of chalcopyrite are present. This is in terrific condition and very choice for this classic and long closed locality. This is very similar to material seen from the Pea Ridge Mine in Washington Co., Missouri. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

Pilot Knob is located in the Saint Francois Mountains of southeast Missouri and consists of Precambrian volcanic rocks, primarily rhyolite, hosting significant deposits of iron ore formed by magmatic and hydrothermal processes. Mining activity began in the mid nineteenth century with surface workings and local blast furnaces, supplying metal heavily during the Civil War era. After early shallow operations declined, deep underground mining was successfully revived in the late 1960s by the Pilot Knob Pellet Company before permanent closure in 1980.

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