Marcasite

The cliff and beach adjacent to the small French village of Escalles, south west of Calais, host several mineral species, the best specimens being those of the iron sulphide Marcasite. This particular small miniature forms a pineapple-type spherical structure of intergrown, protruding spear-shaped crystals, all with faces covered in aligned surface growths of reptilian scale-like micro-crystals. The overall effect is superb. All crystals are a yellowish metallic pale gold whose edges become smooth, giving each crystal a distinct outline with an overall grid-like pattern. This choice small miniature is a floater showing no point of attachment to its former matrix. A beautiful Marcasite from the Cap Blanc-Nez cliff exposure at Escalles and under low magnification is even more stunning.