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3" Cubic Pyrite, Sphalerite and Calcite Association - Peru
This is a beautiful association of cubic pyrite, calcite and sphalerite crystals. It comes from the Huanzala Mine in Peru and the entire specimen measures 3" long.
Sphalerite is a part of the sulfide group and typically exhibits a grey/black appearance due to high concentrations of impurities. In its purest state, sphalerite's chemical composition is ZnS, and can display a gemmy transparent light tan/yellow color. This is one of the few minerals that can form crystals ranging anywhere between gemmy and transparent to opaque and metallic-like. Opaque or cloudy sphalerite tends to be most abundant since iron easily replaces zinc in the process of formation.
About Pyrite
Pyrite, or iron pyrite, is best known as “Fool’s Gold” thanks to its bright metallic luster and pale brass-yellow color, which can easily be mistaken for real gold in poor lighting. With the chemical formula FeS₂, pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral on Earth and forms in an impressive range of geological environments.
One of pyrite’s defining features is its remarkable diversity of crystal habits—over 20 documented forms—making it one of the most morphologically varied minerals known. It commonly occurs as sharp cubes, octahedra, and pyritohedra, but also forms pentagonal dodecahedra, penetration twins, striated combinations, and complex modified forms prized by collectors. It can develop as massive veins, nodules, botryoidal growths, and fine druzy coatings that shimmer brilliantly under light. Whether glittering in tiny clusters or displayed as perfectly geometric crystals, pyrite showcases an extraordinary range of natural architecture and visual appeal.
Pyrite, or iron pyrite, is best known as “Fool’s Gold” thanks to its bright metallic luster and pale brass-yellow color, which can easily be mistaken for real gold in poor lighting. With the chemical formula FeS₂, pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral on Earth and forms in an impressive range of geological environments.
One of pyrite’s defining features is its remarkable diversity of crystal habits—over 20 documented forms—making it one of the most morphologically varied minerals known. It commonly occurs as sharp cubes, octahedra, and pyritohedra, but also forms pentagonal dodecahedra, penetration twins, striated combinations, and complex modified forms prized by collectors. It can develop as massive veins, nodules, botryoidal growths, and fine druzy coatings that shimmer brilliantly under light. Whether glittering in tiny clusters or displayed as perfectly geometric crystals, pyrite showcases an extraordinary range of natural architecture and visual appeal.
About Calcite Crystals
Calcite crystals are a form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) known for their diverse shapes, transparency, and vibrant range of colors. They typically form in rhombohedral, scalenohedral, or prismatic shapes, often with well-defined, sharp edges and glossy surfaces. Calcite crystals are often translucent or transparent, sometimes displaying a double refraction effect where objects viewed through the crystal appear doubled. They can appear in various colors—white, clear, yellow, pink, blue, green, and orange—depending on impurities or trace minerals.
A notable characteristic of calcite is its reaction with weak acids like vinegar, which causes it to effervesce, or fizz, as it releases carbon dioxide. This property makes calcite crystals a key tool in geological identification and studies. Calcite forms in many environments, from sedimentary rocks like limestone and marble to hydrothermal veins.
Calcite crystals are a form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) known for their diverse shapes, transparency, and vibrant range of colors. They typically form in rhombohedral, scalenohedral, or prismatic shapes, often with well-defined, sharp edges and glossy surfaces. Calcite crystals are often translucent or transparent, sometimes displaying a double refraction effect where objects viewed through the crystal appear doubled. They can appear in various colors—white, clear, yellow, pink, blue, green, and orange—depending on impurities or trace minerals.
A notable characteristic of calcite is its reaction with weak acids like vinegar, which causes it to effervesce, or fizz, as it releases carbon dioxide. This property makes calcite crystals a key tool in geological identification and studies. Calcite forms in many environments, from sedimentary rocks like limestone and marble to hydrothermal veins.
SPECIES
Pyrite, Sphalerite & Calcite
LOCATION
Huanzala Mine, Bolognesi, Peru
SIZE
3" wide
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#141842
