Pyrite with Quartz

Sold Without Reserve

Pyrite with Quartz

Huanzala Mine, Huallanca Dist., Dos de Mayo Prov. Huanuco Department, Peru

Overall size 31.0 x 27.0 x 13.0 cm. Comprising a base of translucent to transparent elongated colorless quartz points interspersed with lustrous modified pyrite cubes and scattered associated tetrahedrite subgroup minerals. With custom lucite base.

Iron Sulfide (FeS2), well known as the infamous “fool’s gold” and a prime commercial source of both sulfur and iron, is highly coveted by collectors intrigued by the lustrous, cubic and complex modified crystals that form both alone and in association with other minerals in rare conditions. Notable discoveries include Navajun, Spain and the Huanzala deposit in Peru, both very well represented in this collection.

While Silicon Oxide (SiO₂) or quartz may be the second most common mineral present in the Earth’s crust, many rare and unusual varieties offer opportunities for collectors. From the royal purple and golden hues of amethyst and citrine, to the intense turquoise and apple green of chrysocolla and chrysoprase, quartz has an incredible spectrum of available colors. Rare and unusual crystal forms such as scepters, gwindels, faden, elestial and “spirit” quartzes create incredibly diverse aesthetics to enjoy. As a prime component within many of the great crystalline environments, quartz is also a frequent partner to and basis for other mineral growth. Classic combinations like smoky quartz and amazonite, fluorite on quartz, and spessartine garnet on smoky quartz offer fantastic contrasts of color and form.