Image: Molybdenite-Pyrite-240029
Description: Molybdenite, Pyrite Locality: Rico Argentine Mine, Silver Creek, Rico District (Pioneer District), Dolores County, Colorado, USA (Locality at mindat.org) Size: 10.2 x 9.5 x 4.0 cm. Bravoite was the name given to an uncommon nickeloan variety of pyrite and this showy, old-time, Colorado cabinet specimen is from a very uncommon locale - the Rico Argentine Mine at Rico. A thin coating of brassy bravoite covers the lustrous, elongated, tabular, modified pyrite crystals on this very showy piece. Ex. Jaime Bird Collection, whose card indicates that he purchased the piece in 1962. For some time, these specimens were labeled as being pyrite coated by "Bravoite". This is completely incorrect, as analysis done by Dr. Pete Modreski at the USGS in Denver, showed that the thin grey coating or "film" on these pyrite crystals is actually a micro layer of molybdenite. Please refer to the post on the following link: http://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?t=360. This specimen is a prime example of this material showing excellent form and virtually no damage.
Title: Molybdenite-Pyrite-240029
Credit: http://www.mindat.org/photo-240029.html
Author: Rob Lavinsky / iRocks.com
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
License Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
Attribution Required?: Yes
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