Pyrite on Quartz

Unknown Owner

Interesting specimen from this long closed Minnesota locality with crystals of quartz measuring to 2.0 cm in size across the top of a brecciated hematite rich matrix. Golden sparkling micro crystals of pyrite are scattered throughout the quartz crystals. Some damage present as seen, this still very nice for this locality in which specimens are very rarely seen available.The Soudan Mine in northern Minnesota is the oldest and one of the most important iron mines in the state, with mining beginning in 1884 after rich hematite deposits were discovered on the Vermilion Range. It was the first iron mine in Minnesota and helped establish the state as a major iron producing region. Operations began as an open pit and later moved underground, eventually reaching depths of more than 2,300 feet. The mine operated until 1962 under companies including U.S. Steel. After closure, it was turned over to the state and is now preserved as a historic site and state park, with parts of the underground workings later used for scientific research.