Chalcopyrite Specimen

Description

Larger blocky crystal forms rise above a sparkling covering of smaller metallic crystals. Reflective faces, stepped growth and warm brass tones give this compact Tonglushan specimen a striking textured appearance. Mounted on the clear bevelled display base shown.

The display stand is included.

The photographs show the larger crystal forms, fine sparkling growth and a visible fissure across part of the reverse. You will receive this exact specimen and the display base shown.

Locality supplied: Tonglushan Mine, Daye County, Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province, China.

The finer crystalline growth described here adds another scale of detail to the specimen. Many small faces contribute to the sparkling surface, while the larger outline establishes its overall form. That combination is worth appreciating beyond the main colour: surface texture, spacing and the distribution of growth all help distinguish this individual piece.

The recorded Pyrite contributes a metallic element to the association. Light reflects from its faces differently to the non-metallic growth around it, allowing small metallic areas to stand out within the specimen. That contrast is a useful part of the display and gives the piece interest for collectors of mixed mineral associations, as well as the principal species.

Chalcopyrite is a copper-iron sulphide and an important copper ore mineral. It has a naturally brassy colour, although surface tarnish can introduce other tones. Despite a superficial resemblance to Pyrite, it is a different species with a different crystal structure. Distinct crystal growth and mineral associations make it interesting well beyond its economic role.

Its metallic reflections give a very different effect from transparent or pale associated minerals. When evaluating a specimen, it is useful to separate the colour of the surface from the shape of the underlying crystal. Surface colour alone does not establish how a piece was treated. The recorded condition and associations for this individual specimen remain the guide to those details.

The recorded origin is Tonglushan Mine, Daye County, Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province, China. Within a collection of Chalcopyrite specimens, this locality gives the piece a geographical identity alongside its particular crystal habit and natural setting.

The specimen measures 6 × 5 × 5 cm, with a recorded weight of 254 g. Its scale gives the natural architecture room to be appreciated as a whole, while the finer growth provides detail for closer study.

Support the stable matrix or the supplied mount when moving the specimen, avoiding pressure on projecting growth. A secure indoor display allows its natural form and surface detail to be appreciated while protecting exposed crystal edges.