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The Volcanic Pillar: 8.5" Polished Pilot Knob Rhyolitic Jasper & Iron Ore
Weight: 3 lbs 6.6 oz (approx. 1.55 kg)
Dimensions: 8.5" Tall x 2.5" Wide x 2.5" Deep
Origin: Pilot Knob, Arcadia Valley, St. Francois Mountains, Missouri
Geological Age: Precambrian (~1.4 Billion Years Old)
The Geology & History: The Iron Heart of Missouri
Standing an impressive 8.5 inches tall and weighing nearly three and a half pounds, this monumental display piece captures the violent volcanic birth of the St. Francois Mountains. Mined from the historic, iron-rich slopes of Pilot Knob, this specimen is a stunning example of rhyolitic jasper heavily brecciated and banded with dense iron ore.
Over a billion years ago, superheated volcanic ash from the Taum Sauk Caldera was saturated with silica and iron, cooling under immense pressure to form this incredibly hard, deep brick-red jasper. The dark, metallic-grey veining cutting through the red silica is a dense mix of hematite and disseminated magnetite (yielding a slight magnetic pull), mapping out the ancient flow lines of the cooling magma. Pilot Knob later became one of the most vital iron mining hubs of the 19th century, fueling the industrial expansion of the American Midwest.
The Lapidary Workmanship: A Natural Obelisk
Expertly cut to stand freely as a natural obelisk, the face of this massive specimen has been brought to a flawless, glass-slick mirror polish. The high-gloss lapidary window brilliantly highlights the contrast between the fiery red silica and the steely iron bands. The back and sides of the pillar have been intentionally left rough, showcasing the raw, natural mine-run crust.
This is a premier, heavy-duty architectural display piece. It is perfect for a high-end midwestern mineral collection, an executive desk, or as a striking historical relic for any interior decor.
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