Description
This pyrite is from the Huanzala Mine, Huallanca, Dos de Mayo Povince, Huanco Department, Peru. This a predominately lead-zinc mine but 63 other mineral species can be found there. It is one of the premier locales for pyrite specimens. They can vary in morphology from cubic to dipyramidal octahedrans and every combination in between. It is a sulfide containing the elements Fe and S. These large crystals have sharp pyritohedral habits, a bright, brassy, gold color and mirror, metallic, luster. This piece has a high iron content which accounts for it’s brilliant luster after being collected over twenty years ago. It is a mound-like double sided piece that can be displayed from several positions and each is aesthetic and balanced. The largest crystal is 52 mm across. This piece measures 3 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 2 1/8 inches or 95 x 70 x 53 mm.