Pyrite

This specimen features an unusually elongated, brassy pyrite crystal, most likely a pseudomorph after marcasite, a morphological  characteristic of pyrite from Nanisivik. The crystal is largely in very good condition, with only minor contact or light bruising visible in a few areas. Makes for a lovely miniature. It originates from the Nanisivik Mine on northern Baffin Island, approximately 750 km north of the Arctic Circle, one of the world’s most northerly operating base-metal mines. Opened in 1976, the mine primarily produced zinc and lead from Mississippi Valley–type mineralization hosted in dolostone. Although operations ceased permanently in 2002 due to declining resources and metal prices, Nanisivik has since become legendary among collectors for its distinctive, often unusually formed and highly aesthetic mineral specimens.