Pyrite

specimen number:
8911201

location:
Buick Mine, Viburnum Trend, Iron Co., Missouri, USA

description:
Good Missouri classic from the early 1970s, these are what were called pyrite bars. This is a grouping of bright golden elongated pyrite crystals without matrix. Slight damage present, complete all around. The specimen comes with a previous label from the Alton collection, as well as a label from the collection of H. R. McBroom.

Located in the Viburnum Trend of Iron County, Missouri, the Buick Mine is part of the extensive Southeast Missouri Lead District, where hydrothermal metal-bearing fluids migrated through permeable Cambrian carbonate rocks to precipitate massive sulfide ores along ancient reef structures. Underground mining operations began in the late 1960s, yielding significant quantities of galena alongside associated minerals. Collectors note that specialized pockets discovered during the early to mid-1970s and worked again in the late 1990s produced exceptional, highly lustrous pyrite specimens famously known as pyrite bars. These elongated, blocky crystal aggregates feature distinct cubic development and occasional central hollows reflecting a stalactitic growth habit, creating striking structural configurations prized by regional collectors.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.