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This Specimen has been sold.
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1.8" Tall Natural Pyrite Cube Cluster - Navajun, Spain
This is a natural cluster of pyrite cubes from the Victoria Mine in Navajun, Spain. These natural formations are pretty incredible and no where else in the world produces them like this mine. The entire cluster is 1.8" high with the largest cube being .81" wide. The cubes have a very nice luster and the cluster sits upright nicely for display in many orientations.
Like all of these pieces from the mine, there is repair and stabalization work to where the cubes attach but they are in their original position as found, and are not composites.
Like all of these pieces from the mine, there is repair and stabalization work to where the cubes attach but they are in their original position as found, and are not composites.
About Pyrite From Navajún, Spain
At first glance some people assume that these pyrite cubes are man-made, but the amazing thing is that they are natural! Pyrite from this location is famous for its beautiful shine, near-perfect cubic formation, and sculptural appearance. Because the matrix rock is soft, the cubes often come loose during collection. Care is taken during preparation to stabilize, repair, and make sure everything is remounted in its natural position: no specimens are composites. This means that nearly all of the pyrite cubes still in the rock from this locality have been remounted, and most clusters of multiple cubes have been stabilized.
The "Ampliación a Victoria" pyrite deposit is located 3 kilometers northwest from Navajún town in the Alcarama mountain chain. The history of mining in the area goes back to Romans mining for silver. Modern galena mining led to discovery of the pyrite in 1965, and since then specimens from this locality have been sought out by collectors worldwide. The largest crystal found to date was over 19 centimeters and weighed 9.5 kilograms!
A view of part of the Ampliación a Victoria pyrite mine.
FeS2, otherwise known as pyrite or 'Fool's Gold', contains about 47 percent iron and 53 percent sulfur. It gets the name 'fool's gold' because of its brassy golden color. The name pyrite comes from the Greek word pur meaning "fire": in ancient times pyrite was struck against flint to create sparks and start fires.
At first glance some people assume that these pyrite cubes are man-made, but the amazing thing is that they are natural! Pyrite from this location is famous for its beautiful shine, near-perfect cubic formation, and sculptural appearance. Because the matrix rock is soft, the cubes often come loose during collection. Care is taken during preparation to stabilize, repair, and make sure everything is remounted in its natural position: no specimens are composites. This means that nearly all of the pyrite cubes still in the rock from this locality have been remounted, and most clusters of multiple cubes have been stabilized.
The "Ampliación a Victoria" pyrite deposit is located 3 kilometers northwest from Navajún town in the Alcarama mountain chain. The history of mining in the area goes back to Romans mining for silver. Modern galena mining led to discovery of the pyrite in 1965, and since then specimens from this locality have been sought out by collectors worldwide. The largest crystal found to date was over 19 centimeters and weighed 9.5 kilograms!
A view of part of the Ampliación a Victoria pyrite mine.
FeS2, otherwise known as pyrite or 'Fool's Gold', contains about 47 percent iron and 53 percent sulfur. It gets the name 'fool's gold' because of its brassy golden color. The name pyrite comes from the Greek word pur meaning "fire": in ancient times pyrite was struck against flint to create sparks and start fires.
SPECIES
Pyrite
LOCATION
Victoria Mine, Navajun, Spain
SIZE
Cluster 1.8" Tall, Largest Cube .81"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#31030
