Calcite with Pyrite from Meggen, Germany – Flattened Crystals from a Classic Locality

This Calcite specimen with Pyrite from Meggen in the Sauerland region of Germany shows numerous colorless to white Calcite crystals with small Pyrite crystals scattered across the specimen. Particularly striking is the Calcite morphology: many crystals are flattened and partly lenticular in appearance, forming a densely intergrown crystal group.

Measuring 7.2 × 4.2 × 2.7 cm and weighing 84.3 g, this is a cabinet specimen. The pale Calcite forms the dominant part of the specimen, while numerous small metallic Pyrite crystals provide a contrasting mineral association.

Flattened Calcite crystals with a lenticular appearance

The Calcite crystals are colorless to white and predominantly translucent. Many crystals show a flattened habit and partly appear lenticular due to their dense intergrowth.

The crystal faces show a subtle to locally more noticeable luster. The close intergrowth creates differently structured crystal groups and gives the specimen a varied three-dimensional surface.

Small Pyrite crystals between the Calcite

Numerous small Pyrite crystals occur between and on the Calcite crystals. They show the characteristic brassy coloration and metallic luster.

The Pyrite crystals are predominantly small and range from cubic to more complex crystal forms. Some show triangular-looking faces depending on the viewing angle. Their metallic appearance creates a clear contrast with the pale Calcite.

Calcite and Pyrite from Meggen

Meggen in the Sauerland region is a classic German mining locality and is especially known for its significant Pyrite mineralization. In addition to the economically important sulfides, a variety of collector minerals also occurs there, including Calcite.

This specimen combines an interesting flattened to lenticular-looking Calcite development with numerous small Pyrite crystals and represents a characteristic mineral association from the historic Meggen mining district.