PYRITE BALLS - INTERGROWN TWIN - USA

Description

ITEM #2352
This pyrite specimen formed in a layer of shale, in southwest Marion County, Indiana.  The shale in which this specimen occurred is named New Albany Shale, which is part of the Borden Group (Mississippian Age), 359 to 318 million years ago. When the shale was in the form of mud eons ago, it is believed some organic material (a twig, a bug, snail, leaf, etc.) got trapped in the mud.  While the mud was soft, the decaying material drew in iron and sulfur to combine into iron sulfide, the formula for pyrite.  Pyrite in the shape of a ball is uncommon but can be found in other locations around the world.  This location produces some of the best pyrite balls found in the world!
This specimen has two nearly perfect pyrite balls that grew together over time.  The crystals are bright and shiny and range from in size from small to 3/8 inch.  The crystals are mostly modified cubes, and they have a nice pyrite luster.  This specimen will sit naturally upright and looks like a snowman!  Very nice and unusual!
The specimen is 1 5/8 inches tall, 1 3/8 inches wide, and 1 1/8 inches thick. It weighs 2.65 ounces (75g).