Natural History - Pyrite Crystal 'Fools Gold' Specimen Group [100]

Comprising: goethite and limonite from Scotland or England, collection number 479; pyrite from Peru, collection number 233; octahedral blue fluorite crystal from Illinois, USA, collection number 475, with an old Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd label; calcite geode half from Brazil, collection number 108; bornite from North Transvaal, South Africa, collection number 192; amethyst from Brazil, collection number 26; fluorite on sphalerite from England, collection number 186; native copper specimen from USA, collection number 153, with an old Gemset of Broadstairs Ltd. label; wolfenite of calcite from Mexico, collection number 485, with an old Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd label. 892 grams total, 3.9-11.6 cm



Acquired on the UK mineral and fossil market, since 1970. From the historic mineral collection of Richard Valentine Cain, London, UK, thence by descent. Each specimen accompanied by an original historic index file card.

A natural flowing limestone accretion with nodules and inclusions. 464 grams total, 13.1 cm



From the family collection of a Maida Vale lady, UK.

Gogottes were displayed at the chateau of Fontainebleau, France, collected by King Louis XIV (1638 -1715). They were used to decorate the formal gardens of the royal residence at Versailles, especially l’Encelade, Les Trois Fontaines and La Salle de Bal. Elsewhere, they were treasured in Song Dynasty China (960-1127 A.D.) In the 20th century, natural forms inspired the sculptor Henry Moore and others.

Showing some octahedral crystals, collection number 277. 26 grams, 48 mm



Acquired on the UK mineral and fossil market, since 1970. From the historic mineral collection of Richard Valentine Cain, London, UK, thence by descent. Accompanied by an original historic index file card.