Four pseudomorph specimens pictured here were found in Montana while prospecting for gems. Each one looks like limonite from iron oxide pyrite mineral substitution and apparently a quite common type of pseudomorph to find. The smooth sides were distinctly visible in the surrounding material, and the difference in density made it fairly easy for extraction, which we preferred the experts to handle while learning techniques.
Discovering geometric pseudomorphs taught us more about the diversity of mineral formation, how unique rocks are created through substitution or casting, and how voids in material can provide a housing for minerals to form within a rock. The conditions for the process need to be just right, but the occurrence of those conditions is somewhat common in the mineral world. Finding pseudomorphs also reinforces the idea to always look closely to examine details; To stay patiently diligent and nature will surprise us.
