Fools Gold Collection

RioTinto tidal area and saltmarshes, with healthy vegetation and red silt containing pyrite (an iron mineral common in sediments). The silt is deposited by constant tidal flooding

Mirror with Jaguar or Coyote Mosaic, A. D. 500 / 600. Creator: Unknown
Mirror with Jaguar or Coyote Mosaic, A.D. 500/600

Mask, 100 B. C. / A. D. 500. Creator: Unknown
Mask, 100 B.C./A.D. 500

Piece of pyrite from the workshop of C. Edgar Patience, n. d. Creator: Unknown
Charles Edgar Patience (1906-1972), was an African American anthracite coal sculptor who raised the form to high art, exhibiting works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Sectioned fossil ammonite where the shell material has been replaced by pyrites, and the empty cavities of the shell have filled during fossilisation with crystalised yellow/green calcite preserving

Pyrite, feS2

Aztec Turquoise and Lignite mosaic mask of Tezcatlipoca, 15th - 16th century
Aztec mask believed to represent Tezcatlipoca, modelled on a skull with the back cut away and lined with leather, 15th to 16th century. The jaw is hinged. From the British Museum

Iron Pyrites

Minerals, Iron Pyrite or Fools Gold crystals, cubic crystals on host rock

Pyrite C016 / 5650
Pyrite (iron sulphide) is also known as fools gold. It often forms in cavities and nodules. Specimen from the Kelly Mine, Montana, USA

Pyrite C016 / 5651
Pyrite (iron sulphide) is also known as fools gold. It often forms in cavities and nodules. Cubic clustered specimen from Bonanza mine, Mexico

Pyrite (FeS2) (Iron sulfide) / Fools Gold - Peru - formery used in the production of sulfuric acid
CAN-4150 Pyrite (FeS2) (Iron sulfide) / Fools Gold Peru - formery used in the production of sulfuric acid John Cancalosi contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Pyrite (FeS2) (Iron sulfide) / Pyrite Sun / Pyrite Dollar / Fools Gold - Illinois USA - formery used in the production
CAN-4211 Pyrite (FeS2) (Iron sulfide) / Pyrite Sun / Pyrite Dollar / Fools Gold Illinois USA formery used in the production of sulfuric acid John Cancalosi contact details: prints@ardea.com tel

Iron pyrite crystals
Iron pyrite, or fools gold, crystals

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"Fool's Gold: A Glimpse into Nature's Deceptive Beauty" In the enchanting Rio Tinto tidal area and saltmarshes, where healthy vegetation thrives, lies a hidden treasure that has captivated many throughout history. Amongst this picturesque landscape, an intriguing mirror adorned with a mosaic of either a majestic Jaguar or cunning Coyote from the 5th to 6th century catches our eye. Its creator remains unknown, leaving us to wonder about the skilled hands behind such craftsmanship. Delving further into the realm of mystery and allure, we stumble upon a mask dating back to 100 B. C. To A. D. 500. Crafted by an enigmatic artist whose identity is lost in time, this mask whispers tales of ancient rituals and ceremonies. As we continue our exploration, we encounter a piece of pyrite originating from C. Edgar Patience's workshop – its creator shrouded in anonymity yet again. Pyrite, also known as Fool's Gold due to its deceptive appearance resembling real gold, serves as a reminder that not everything glitters is precious. Nature itself plays tricks on us as well; evidenced by the sectioned fossil ammonite where pyrites have replaced its once delicate shell material over centuries. This natural phenomenon showcases how minerals can transform even the most intricate structures into gleaming golden masterpieces. Moving forward through time and space brings us face-to-face with an Aztec Turquoise and Lignite mosaic mask representing Tezcatlipoca from the 15th-16th century – another testament to humanity's fascination with fooling appearances for artistic purposes. Iron Pyrites take center stage next - cubic crystals delicately perched on host rock exemplify nature's ability to create breathtaking formations that mesmerize all who behold them. These Iron Pyrite crystals are reminiscent of Peru’s past when they were utilized in sulfuric acid production before their true value was discovered. In this captivating journey through history, we uncover the allure of Fool's Gold.