Natural History, including Gorgosaurus
Natural History, including Gorgosaurus
Naturally Iridescent Pyrite with Sphalerite and Calcite
Auction Closed
July 28, 03:27 PM GMT
Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
Lot Details
Description
Naturally Iridescent Pyrite with Sphalerite and Calcite
Fina 1 Mine, Tinyahuarco Department, Pasco Province, Pasco, Peru
3¾ by 3 by 2 inches (9.5 x 7.6 x 5 cm). Custom lucite base.
A naturally iridescent pyrite specimen featuring a contrasted black sphalerite on the front side. The rear of the specimen is covered with off-white calcite crystals up to 1 cm in size.
The iridescent pyrite specimen offered here yields from the small, family-owned Fina 1 Mine in Pasco, Peru. This specimen is considered to be the finest pocket of naturally iridescent pyrite ever found at this locality.
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 association of sphalerite and calcite make this pyrite specimen particularly unique.