Reviews
3.45" Shiny Galena & Calcite On Pyrite - Peru
This is a beautiful cluster of galena crystals in association with calcite and pyrite. There are a few calcite crystals on the specimen as well. It comes from the Huanzala Mine in Peru and the entire piece measures 3.45" wide.
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.
Galena is a lead-based mineral and the primary ore of lead, and has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.
While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the mineral's lead content.
While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the mineral's lead content.
SPECIES
Galena, Calcite & Pyrite
LOCATION
Huanzala Mine, Bolognesi, Peru
SIZE
3.45" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#203941
