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Pyrargyrite, Pyrite any ideas?
  
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mcclureirl




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PostPosted: Jul 21, 2020 23:41    Post subject: Pyrargyrite, Pyrite any ideas?  

I found this rock on a trail in Breckenridge, CO. The rock was next to a tree in the dirt close to a river. I noticed the white face with the dark metallic crystals. When I pulled it out of the dirt I noticed the back had a some nice looking dark metallic crystals embedded. There is a slight yellowish tint to these metallic dark crystals.

I was curious if anyone had any ideas what this could be? I am not an expert and fairly new at rock collecting.

Any suggestions on how to I should go about cleaning this up?



20200721_220711.jpg
 Locality:
Breckenridge District, Summit County, Colorado, USA
 Dimensions: 4 cm x 4 cm x 8 cm
 Description:
Front (Outside of Earth)
 Viewed:  5682 Time(s)

20200721_220711.jpg



20200721_220630.jpg
 Locality:
Breckenridge District, Summit County, Colorado, USA
 Dimensions: 4 cm x 4 cm x 8 cm
 Description:
Back Side (Deepest in Earth)
 Viewed:  5653 Time(s)

20200721_220630.jpg



20200721_230012.jpg
 Locality:
Breckenridge District, Summit County, Colorado, USA
 Description:
Side
 Viewed:  5657 Time(s)

20200721_230012.jpg


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Volkmar Stingl




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PostPosted: Jul 22, 2020 00:06    Post subject: Re: Pyrargyrite, Pyrite any ideas?  

I think, this is a massive chunk of quartz with patches of biotite (mica). The yellow-green in the second picture seems to be a reflection on a mica (maybe muskovite?), but could also be pyrite. A better photo would help.
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mcclureirl




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PostPosted: Jul 22, 2020 00:24    Post subject: Re: Pyrargyrite, Pyrite any ideas?  

Volkmar Stingl wrote:
I think, this is a massive chunk of quartz with patches of biotite (mica). The yellow-green in the second picture seems to be a reflection on a mica (maybe muskovite?), but could also be pyrite. A better photo would help.



Volkmar,

Thanks for the response! You are right, this does look like biotite now that I have seen some images online. Attached is another of the second image. Let me know what you think.



20200721_225953.jpg
 Locality:
Breckenridge District, Summit County, Colorado, USA
 Dimensions: 4 cm x 4 cm x 8 cm
 Description:
 Viewed:  5629 Time(s)

20200721_225953.jpg


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Volkmar Stingl




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PostPosted: Jul 22, 2020 05:55    Post subject: Re: Pyrargyrite, Pyrite any ideas?  

I think, it is also mica (with another orientation, therefore the reflections). But I am not completely sure, because the picture is a little bit out of focus.
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Peter Megaw
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PostPosted: Jul 22, 2020 08:21    Post subject: Re: Pyrargyrite, Pyrite any ideas?  

Massive quartz looks right, cant tell about much else. This could be a discard from one of the many vein mines in that area. If you're determined it's worth cleaning you can start with a 2 day soak in soapy water followed by a brisk hosing...being careful not to dislodge any of the other bits ( test with your fingers first to see if they're loose. If that simple approach doesn't get it clean enough for you...it looks like it will still have a rusty staining on it...your local hardware store sells something called Iron Out, which will remove rusty stains. It works best with hot water and may take 2 or 3 soakings in IO to come clean. IO is not an aggressive chemical, but it is a chemical so follow the safety precautions on the container, wear rubber gloves and don't breathe the fumes. Outside is best
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mcclureirl




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PostPosted: Jul 22, 2020 12:59    Post subject: Re: Pyrargyrite, Pyrite any ideas?  

Thanks for your suggestions Peter. I am fairly new at collecting and appreciate the tips. I will clean it up a bit, mainly to see the crystals better.


Volkmar, thanks for your responses. It is definitely tricky getting the focus right on this piece. I will clean it up a bit and see if that helps. I am more leaning towards your suggestion of mica. Maybe the cleaning will help. Thanks again.
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R Saunders




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PostPosted: Jul 23, 2020 07:57    Post subject: Re: Pyrargyrite, Pyrite any ideas?  

Peter Megaw wrote:
Massive quartz looks right, cant tell about much else. This could be a discard from one of the many vein mines in that area. If you're determined it's worth cleaning you can start with a 2 day soak in soapy water followed by a brisk hosing...being careful not to dislodge any of the other bits ( test with your fingers first to see if they're loose. If that simple approach doesn't get it clean enough for you...it looks like it will still have a rusty staining on it...your local hardware store sells something called Iron Out, which will remove rusty stains. It works best with hot water and may take 2 or 3 soakings in IO to come clean. IO is not an aggressive chemical, but it is a chemical so follow the safety precautions on the container, wear rubber gloves and don't breathe the fumes. Outside is best


Plus One on Iron Out. Do not buy the ready mixed. The powder comes in a small and large container. One cup dissolved in a gallon of warm water is average. And do not breath the powder dust when adding it. I keep my plastic containers out doors covered so birds or animals and children do not try to get too it.
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