Description
Several small pyrite octahedrons are intergrown in an exceptionally aesthetic arrangement. The crystals are attached in such a way that a small natural opening is formed at the center. Adding further interest, some of the pyrite faces are sprinkled with patches of sphalerite. The attentive collector may also notice minute patches of a white mineral phase nestled here and there on the specimen. These have been reported by some miners and dealers as crandallite. However, it should be noted that this mineral may not be primary in origin, as it can form during specimen preparation (for example, when phosphoric acid is used) rather than being part of the original natural paragenesis. See: mindat.org/locentry-1252883.html
LOCATION
Peru, Huanzala
SIZE
4.3 cm
WEIGHT
20 g