Siderite with Chalcopyrite on Quartz

The mines in the Illogan district, an area between Camborne and Redruth in Cornwall, often produced very fine specimens of Siderite, this being a lovely example on Quartz from South Crofty mine.  At 7.8 cm this little beauty is perhaps just too long to class as a miniature.  Thin, lenticular deep tan Siderite blades, averaging 4 to 6 mm broad, form a near-continuous carpet, only interrupted here and there by colourless to slightly milky, well terminated Quartz crystals.  Just for good aesthetic measure, the occasional golden brassy Chalcopyrite crystal perches on top of the Siderite.  A super Siderite with Chalcopyrite and Quartz from South Crofty.