Marcasite with Calcite

Unknown Owner

Classic grouping of stalactitic crystallized golden marcasite, this with associated scalenohedral crystals of calcite. In very good condition.The Blackstone Mine near Shullsburg in Lafayette County, Wisconsin was part of the Upper Mississippi Valley mining district, a region known for lead and zinc deposits. Mining in the area began in the early 19th century and focused mainly on galena, the principal ore of lead. The ore occurred in veins and replacement bodies hosted in limestone and dolomite. Like many mines in the district, the Blackstone Mine contributed to the early lead mining industry that helped develop southwestern Wisconsin.