Natural History
Natural History
Massive Cubic Pyrite Cluster
Lot Closed
December 3, 07:52 PM GMT
Estimate
12,000 - 15,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Massive Cubic Pyrite Cluster
Navajun Mine, Aguilar Del Alhama
Navajún, La Rioja Province, Spain
20 by 17 by 6¾ inches (50.8 x 43.2 x 17.2 cm). 110 pounds (49.9 kg).
A large specimen featuring over 80 interpenetrating euhedral cubic pyrite crystals on both sides of the rock matrix, all of pale gold color and high luster.
Pyrite—also known as iron sulfide—is a prime commercial source of both sulfur and iron, and is highly coveted by collectors due to its lustrous, cubic, and complex modified crystals. The specimen offered here is approximately 140 million years old, and was found in the La Rioja Province of Spain, specifically known for producing near perfect cubes of pyrite.