Thumbnail-sized Pyrite Cube stalactite

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 a about 4000 meters of altitude. 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 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 cubic, pyritohedron, and octahedron shapes being the main shapes. There are more than 25 intermediary shapes known.

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