2.1" Quartz and Chalcopyrite Association - Peru

This beautiful specimen contains an association of chalcopyrite and quartz crystals. It comes from the Huanzala Mine in Peru and the entire piece measures 2.1" wide.

Quartz is the name given to silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust. Quartz crystals generally grow in silica-rich environments--usually igneous rocks or hydrothermal environments like geothermal waters--at temperatures between 100°C and 450°C, and usually under very high pressure. In either case, crystals will precipitate as temperatures cool, just as ice gradually forms when water freezes. Quartz veins are formed when open fissures are filled with hot water during the closing stages of mountain formation: these veins can be hundreds of millions of years old.

Chalcopyrite is a brass-yellow colored mineral and an important copper ore. When weathered, chalcopyrite loses its metallic luster, turning a gray-green color. When exposed to acids, the tarnish can develop a red, blue, or purple iridescence: this acid-treated material is often sold under the name peacock ore.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Chalcopyrite & Quartz
LOCATION
Huanzala Mine, Bolognesi, Peru
SIZE
2.1" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#136202