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

Honey-coloured teardrop-shaped specimen with a small fly inclusion, collection number 456; supplied in a small collector's display box with magnifying lid. 0.40 grams, 13 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.

A roughly oval matrix with a Knightia alta fossil fish. 70 grams, 10.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Essex, UK, collector.

In southwest Wyoming (and parts of Colorado and Utah) in the Green River Formation are found some of the world's most outstanding specimens of fossil fish. The Green River system was composed of three lakes: Lake Ulinta, Lake Gosiute and Fossil Lake. These Eocene lakes lay in a series of intermountain basins formed by geological events that uplifted the Rocky Mountains during the early Tertiary time. The climate was much different from the desert-like climate of this area today. Both the fauna (crocodiles, alligators, boa constrictors and some subtropical fish families) and the flora (such as large palm trees) indicate a climate much like that found along the Gulf Coast today. Large amounts of ash found in the sediments indicate that volcanoes were particularly active at this time.

In enhanced dyed purple colour, opened to reveal the internal crystal filled cavity. 83 grams total, 51 mm each



From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.