Reviews
Five Natural Pyrite Cubes In Matrix - Spain
This is a high quality cluster of pyrite cubes in matrix from the Victoria Mine in Navajun, Spain. These natural formations are pretty incredible and no where else in the world produces them like this mine.
There are five natural pyrite cubes, the largest of which is 1.8" wide. Smaller twinned cubes can be seen poking out from the faces of two of the main cubes. The entire cluster is 4.7" long, 4.4" wide, and 3.8" tall. An acrylic display stand will accompany the specimen to assist with preferred presentation.
Like all of these pieces from the mine, there is repair and stabilization work to the matrix, as the cubes typically come loose during collection. But the pyrite cubes are in their original positions in the rock and it is not a composite.
There are five natural pyrite cubes, the largest of which is 1.8" wide. Smaller twinned cubes can be seen poking out from the faces of two of the main cubes. The entire cluster is 4.7" long, 4.4" wide, and 3.8" tall. An acrylic display stand will accompany the specimen to assist with preferred presentation.
Like all of these pieces from the mine, there is repair and stabilization work to the matrix, as the cubes typically come loose during collection. But the pyrite cubes are in their original positions in the rock and it is not a composite.
About Pyrite From Navajún, Spain
At first glance some people assume that these pyrite cubes are man-made, but the amazing thing is that they are natural! Pyrite from this location is famous for its beautiful shine, near-perfect cubic formation, and sculptural appearance. Because the matrix rock is soft, the cubes often come loose during collection. Care is taken during preparation to stabilize, repair, and make sure everything is remounted in its natural position: no specimens are composites. This means that nearly all of the pyrite cubes still in the rock from this locality have been remounted, and most clusters of multiple cubes have been stabilized.
The "Ampliación a Victoria" pyrite deposit is located 3 kilometers northwest from Navajún town in the Alcarama mountain chain. The history of mining in the area goes back to Romans mining for silver. Modern galena mining led to discovery of the pyrite in 1965, and since then specimens from this locality have been sought out by collectors worldwide. The largest crystal found to date was over 19 centimeters and weighed 9.5 kilograms!
A view of part of the Ampliación a Victoria pyrite mine.
FeS2, otherwise known as pyrite or 'Fool's Gold', contains about 47 percent iron and 53 percent sulfur. It gets the name 'fool's gold' because of its brassy golden color. The name pyrite comes from the Greek word pur meaning "fire": in ancient times pyrite was struck against flint to create sparks and start fires.
At first glance some people assume that these pyrite cubes are man-made, but the amazing thing is that they are natural! Pyrite from this location is famous for its beautiful shine, near-perfect cubic formation, and sculptural appearance. Because the matrix rock is soft, the cubes often come loose during collection. Care is taken during preparation to stabilize, repair, and make sure everything is remounted in its natural position: no specimens are composites. This means that nearly all of the pyrite cubes still in the rock from this locality have been remounted, and most clusters of multiple cubes have been stabilized.
The "Ampliación a Victoria" pyrite deposit is located 3 kilometers northwest from Navajún town in the Alcarama mountain chain. The history of mining in the area goes back to Romans mining for silver. Modern galena mining led to discovery of the pyrite in 1965, and since then specimens from this locality have been sought out by collectors worldwide. The largest crystal found to date was over 19 centimeters and weighed 9.5 kilograms!
A view of part of the Ampliación a Victoria pyrite mine.
FeS2, otherwise known as pyrite or 'Fool's Gold', contains about 47 percent iron and 53 percent sulfur. It gets the name 'fool's gold' because of its brassy golden color. The name pyrite comes from the Greek word pur meaning "fire": in ancient times pyrite was struck against flint to create sparks and start fires.
$725
SPECIES
Pyrite
LOCATION
Victoria Mine, Navajun, Spain
SIZE
Largest Cube: 1.8" wide, Entire Specimen: 4.7 x 4.4 x 3.8"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#325096
