Manganocalcite over Pyrite Crystals

Pyrite (FeS2, iron (II) disulfide) is the most abundant sulfide mineral in the world. It is found literally everywhere, in igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks and in sedimentary rocks. It usually forms cubic crystals, with each crystal having six planes and razor-sharp corners and has a somewhat pale, coppery-yellow metallic luster. The ancient Greeks used pyrite to make fire. If you hit a piece of pyrite with a hard object, sparks will fly. Hence the name, πυρίτης (pyritēs) which means "for fire". For this reason the mineral was also popular for a while in the 16th and 17th centuries. Placing a piece of pyrite against a round file gave you just enough spark to fire a pistol of that era. Although pyrite is still primarily mined to make sulfuric acid, there have been more applications lately. For example, pyrite is found in Lithium batteries and the mineral is also increasingly used in solar panels. In the 1840'smMany of the inexperienced fortune hunters...

Beautiful antique German toy, a pull toy, a pull horse toy. This antique toy horse, circa 1930s, is mounted on a wooden platform with wheels. The ca...

Beautiful antique German Roy, a pull toy, a pull horse toy with cart. This antique toy horse, circa 1930s, is mounted on a wooden platform with whe...

18th century Italian cross adorned with tangerine quartz crystals on a tangerine quartz and crystal cluster base. The crucifix originally came from a church in Tuscany. The crystal quartz points replicate the original sunrays or halo around the cross. The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the artist and creative director of Interi. The date of manufacture reflects when she created the piece and the period shows that the Italian cross is originally 18th century. The 18th century Italian cross has been preserved and transformed into a figurative, contemporary work of art. With the combination of the precious minerals, the church artifact...

A rock crystal natural specimen piece aka clear quartz, decorative object. Dimensions: 3.5" D x 4.25" W.  

An antique Indonesian handmade boat model on pedestal from the early 20th century, with bone inlay over wood. Born in Indonesia during the early years of the 20th century, this exqui...