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Pyrite from Huanzala usually appears in a cuboid crystal shape. Pyritohedrons like those on this specimen are much rarer to find. When additionally combined with another mineral, like the small quartz needles on this specimen, it becomes a catch. Finally, the aesthetic value of this landscape design with a quartz valley in front of a pyrite mountain chain makes the piece very special. The crystals show nearly no damage. This piece earns a three-star evaluation in all our criteria.
If you want to know more about how we appraise our crystals:
Huanzala is a lead-zinc mine with a 1,200 tons/day capacity, operated by Cia. Minera Santa Luisa and owned by Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co. (Japan). The mine is located in the Peruvian Department of Ancash at an altitude of about 4000 meters. The mine is famous all around the world for excellent pyrite and fluorite specimens. According to well-known mineral specimen dealer Rock Currier, the Huanzala mine probably holds the world record with regard to the total tonnage of mineral specimens produced by a single mine. According to Mardani Fine Minerals, “Huanzala has been praised as one of the greatest pyrite localities of all time.”
The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, is an iron sulfide. Pyrite’s metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold, hence the well-known nickname of fool’s gold. The name pyrite is derived from the Greek πυρίτης (pyritēs), “of fire” or “in fire”. In ancient Roman times, this name was applied to several types of stone that would create sparks when struck against steel.
Huanzala Pyrite comes in a great variety of crystal shapes, with cuboid, pyritohedron, and octahedron shapes being the main shapes. There are more than 25 intermediary shapes known.