Reviews
1.75" Metallic Tetrahedrite with Quartz - Peru
This is a stunning piece! This is a delicate array of black-brown sphalerite with an unidentified metallic mineral, likely a type of tetrahedrite The sphalerite glows a soft orange under short-wave UV light! The specimen has been mounted to an acrylic display base with mineral tack.
About Tetrahedrite
Tetrahedrite is a sulfosalt mineral belonging to the tetrahedrite-tennantite series. It is composed of copper, antimony, sulfur, and variable amounts of iron and zinc. It typically forms in hydrothermal veins and is associated with other sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. Tetrahedrite is named for its characteristic tetrahedral crystal habit, although it also occurs in massive or granular forms. The mineral is metallic in luster, with colors ranging from steel-gray to black, and it has a hardness of 3–4 on the Mohs scale. Its streak is typically black or brownish-black.
Tetrahedrite is a sulfosalt mineral belonging to the tetrahedrite-tennantite series. It is composed of copper, antimony, sulfur, and variable amounts of iron and zinc. It typically forms in hydrothermal veins and is associated with other sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. Tetrahedrite is named for its characteristic tetrahedral crystal habit, although it also occurs in massive or granular forms. The mineral is metallic in luster, with colors ranging from steel-gray to black, and it has a hardness of 3–4 on the Mohs scale. Its streak is typically black or brownish-black.
About The Huanzala Mine
The Huanzala Mine in Peru, located in the Huallanca district of the Huánuco region, is one of the world’s most famous mineral-producing mines. Nestled in the Andes Mountains at high elevations, this mine is renowned for its high-quality and vividly crystallized mineral specimens, especially pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. The pyrite crystals from Huanzala are particularly notable for their large size, sharpness, and brilliant metallic luster, often exhibiting cubic or pyritohedral shapes that make them highly prized among collectors. In addition to pyrite, the mine produces other well-crystallized minerals, including fluorapatite, quartz, sphalerite and chalcopyrite, each renowned for clarity and intricate formations.
Operational since the early 20th century, Huanzala is primarily an industrial source of lead and zinc. However, its mineral specimens have attracted worldwide attention, positioning it as an important site for mineral collectors. The mine’s extreme altitude and challenging terrain make it difficult to access, adding to the allure and rarity of its minerals.
The Huanzala Mine in Peru, located in the Huallanca district of the Huánuco region, is one of the world’s most famous mineral-producing mines. Nestled in the Andes Mountains at high elevations, this mine is renowned for its high-quality and vividly crystallized mineral specimens, especially pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. The pyrite crystals from Huanzala are particularly notable for their large size, sharpness, and brilliant metallic luster, often exhibiting cubic or pyritohedral shapes that make them highly prized among collectors. In addition to pyrite, the mine produces other well-crystallized minerals, including fluorapatite, quartz, sphalerite and chalcopyrite, each renowned for clarity and intricate formations.
Operational since the early 20th century, Huanzala is primarily an industrial source of lead and zinc. However, its mineral specimens have attracted worldwide attention, positioning it as an important site for mineral collectors. The mine’s extreme altitude and challenging terrain make it difficult to access, adding to the allure and rarity of its minerals.
SPECIES
Tetrahedrite & Quartz
LOCATION
Huanzala Mine, Bolognesi, Peru
SIZE
1.75 x 1.3"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#290195
