Reviews
Four Gleaming Pyrite Cubes In Rock - Navajun, Spain
This is a striking cluster of brilliantly lustrous pyrite cubes from the world-famous Victoria Mine in Navajún, Spain. The specimen measures 4.3 × 3.4 × 3" overall and features several sharp, geometric cubes perched naturally within the pale host rock, the largest measuring 1.11" across. These mirror-bright crystals formed in perfect isometric symmetry within the sedimentary matrix, and their clean faces and crisp edges highlight the exceptional quality that Navajún pyrite is known for. A beautiful, highly displayable example from one of the premier pyrite localities on Earth.
An acrylic display stand is included.
An acrylic display stand is included.
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.
$495
SPECIES
Pyrite
LOCATION
Victoria Mine, Navajun, Spain
SIZE
Rock 4.3 x 3.4 x 3", Largest cube 1.11"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#343204
