My backyard find started crumbling and smelling weird

I picked up what looked like a cool metallic rock, but it began to fall apart and had a sharp odor after some rain. Turns out it was marcasite, which can break down and create acidic runoff that harms soil. How do you guys handle potentially reactive specimens when you bring them home?

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3 Comments

mia_campbell7mo ago

Marcasite is THE worst, had one crumble into dust.

8

davidcooper6mo ago

Ugh, that's the worst feeling. It's so fragile it's basically just waiting to fall apart. I had a marcasite ring do the same thing, just turned into powder in my jewelry box. Makes you scared to even touch the stuff. Total waste of money for something that can't hold up at all.

7

karenhenderson7mo ago

Try cleaning it with baking soda.

4