1.6" Shiny, Cubic Pyrite Crystal Cluster with Sphalerite - Peru

This is beautiful cluster of gleaming cubic pyrite crystals. It comes from the Huanzala Mine in Peru and the entire specimen measures 1.6" wide. There are small, dark grey sphalerite crystals scattered throughout this specimen.

About Pyrite

The mineral pyrite, also known as 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.

It is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits, including cubes of all sizes, penetration twin cubes, pyritohedral clusters and as small druzy crystals that can exhibit a beautiful glistening effect.

About Sphalerite

Sphalerite is the most important ore of zinc and a striking mineral prized for its brilliant luster and wide range of colors. Composed of zinc sulfide (ZnS), it commonly forms in cubic or tetrahedral crystals and is found in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary deposits, and metamorphic environments around the world.

Although often brown to black, sphalerite can also occur in shades of honey-yellow, red, orange, and even green. Lighter-colored varieties are sometimes transparent to translucent and can display exceptional dispersion—meaning they separate light into spectral colors more intensely than diamond—giving well-cut specimens a fiery, eye-catching sparkle. Darker specimens are typically opaque with a resinous to submetallic luster.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Pyrite & Sphalerite
LOCATION
Huanzala Mine, Bolognesi, Peru
SIZE
1.6" wide
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#167692