Shiny Natural Pyrite Cubes in Rock - Navajun, Spain

These are small, shiny cubic pyrite crystals in rock from the famous Victoria Mine near Navajun, Spain. These cubic pyrite formations are completely natural and very lustrous.

The crystals average between .3" and .7" in width. Some are perfect cubes, while others are more rectangular. The photos are representative of the pyrite cube(s) in rock you will receive, but do not depict the specific one(s).

Quantity discounts are available.

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.
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.
FOR SALE
$18
Quantity Discounts
3 to 9 Pieces
$15
10+ Pieces
$12
DETAILS
MINERAL TYPE
Cubic Pyrite
SPECIES
Pyrite
LOCATION
Victoria Mine, Navajun, Spain
SIZE
approximately .3" to .7"
PRODUCT ID
P-1049