Discussions

╳Discussions

Groups

Recent Images in Discussions

GeneralMarcasite Decomposition

2nd Mar 2012 22:36 UTCBrian Kulwik

Hello,

I have some specimens of what I believe to be marcasite, in many forms--concretions, crystals, and stalactites--that I found in one locality. Some of these are undergoing decomposition, forming into white crystals and falling apart, especially the stalactites. I was wondering if anyone knew why some of these were decomposing and others are not, and if there is any way to stop them. Once they start to get the white crystals, it is about six months before they start falling apart and one to two years before they become a pile of white powder...

Also, does anyone know if these are of any value (the ones that are not falling apart...) I have bags full of concretions, marcasite??? stalactites, and marcasite/pyrite crystals, and I was wondering if these would be worth my time to try to sell. If so, where would I go about doing this?

Thank you very much.

3rd Mar 2012 00:49 UTCVik Vanrusselt Expert

Hi,

check this out, maybe it'll help (pyrite/marcasite decay in fossils): http://www.sheppeyfossils.com/pages/pdf/the%20trouble%20with%20pyrite2.pdf

Vik

3rd Mar 2012 04:58 UTCD Mike Reinke

Brian'

Have you seen the long thread "pyrite disease" from a few months back. Very informative.

Mike

5th Mar 2012 04:05 UTCBrian Kulwik

Thank you guys for the helpful links!

Mindat.org is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2024, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: April 25, 2024 07:19:53

Go to top of page