Pyrite on Calcite with Quartz

Description

A substantial association of metallic, striated Pyrite cubes and pale Calcite, with fine Quartz and intricate smaller crystals across the matrix.

From the Yaogangxian Mine in Hunan Province, China, this 2.79 kg specimen brings together numerous well-formed Pyrite cubes and a contrasting white-to-cream Calcite matrix. The Pyrite has a metallic lustre, with natural striations visible across many of its crystal faces.

Smaller Pyrite crystals add fine texture between the larger cubes. Minor needle-like Quartz is also present among the pale matrix crystals. The specimen has a three-dimensional shape and presents well from several angles on its included clear display stand.

Locality: Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China, as supplied.

Exact specimen: The photographs and video show the piece offered for sale. Dimensions have not been recorded; please ask if you need measurements before ordering.

The crossing arrangement described above is an important part of the specimen’s silhouette. It lets the direction of individual crystals be followed through the group, with open spaces making their outlines more apparent. Intersecting crystals alone do not establish a specific twin law; here the description concerns the visible arrangement rather than a laboratory-confirmed crystallographic relationship.

The accompanying Calcite contributes a different crystal habit and surface character to the specimen. Its lighter or more translucent areas provide a contrast with the other recorded growth, allowing their separate outlines to be followed. The association is worth appreciating as a whole, with the arrangement and contact between the minerals adding detail beyond the featured crystals alone.

The accompanying Quartz brings a silicate crystal habit into the association. Its surfaces and crystal outlines contrast with the featured mineral, giving the specimen more than one kind of growth to examine. The way the minerals occupy the same piece is part of its character: the setting retains their natural relationship and adds depth to the overall display.

Pyrite is iron sulphide, known for its brassy metallic colour and crystallisation in the cubic system. Cubes, octahedra and pyritohedra are among its characteristic forms. Unlike gold, it is a brittle crystalline mineral. Well-defined faces and the way crystals meet make Pyrite particularly interesting for someone collecting natural geometry as well as metallic lustre.

Fine lines on Pyrite faces can reflect its growth pattern rather than decoration added to the surface. A group may combine broad mirror-like reflections with darker recesses between crystals. Where an accompanying mineral is recorded, the contrast between metallic Pyrite and that material provides another aspect to study, alongside the shape and spacing of the individual crystals.

The recorded origin is Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Hunan, China. Within a collection of Pyrite specimens, this locality gives the piece a geographical identity alongside its particular crystal habit and natural setting.

The specimen measures Large cabinet specimen, with a recorded weight of 2.79 kg. 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.