3" Galena, Pyrite and Quartz Association - Peru

This is a beautiful association of galena, pyrite and quartz crystals that formed from a dolomite and quartz matrix. It comes from the Huanzala Mine in Peru and the entire specimen measures 3" long.

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.

Galena is a lead-based mineral and the primary ore of lead, and has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.

While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the mineral's lead content.

Pyrite (or iron pyrite) is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, Pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold. Pyrite is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits. Smaller (druzy) crystal aggregates may give off beautiful glistening effects, and larger crystals may be perfectly formed, including fascinating cubes, penetration twins, and other interesting crystal forms.

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DETAILS
SPECIES
Pyrite, Galena & Quartz
LOCATION
Huanzala Mine, Bolognesi, Peru
SIZE
3" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#136210