Pyrite (great quality)

Item Description

There aren't a lot of stellar localities in China for Pyrite, but the Shangbao Mine might be the most significant in terms of quality and size. These are not at similar to the Pyrites we've seen from Chenzhou (also in Hunan) as those piece feature either very small crystals or selective depositions on Calcite or Quartz. The top Shangbao pieces (like this specimen) features big, brilliant, splendent crystals with that shimmering brassy luster. This cabinet display specimen is filled with dozens of excellent quality, sharp, lustrous, well-formed, striated cubic crystals of Pyrite measuring up to 2.4 cm free of matrix. The crystals are not just striated, as they show classic "cathedral" faces on the cubes, and if you look closelyk, you can see small modifying pyritohedral modifications along the edgs and triangular octahedral modifications on the corners. These specimens are notoriously difficult to photograph, and I will say that this one looks better in person as the luster is incredibly bright. Most of the crystals are totally undamaged, but the piece is contacted on the base where it was removed from the pocket wall. This isn't an ordinary Pyrite, but an impressive cabinet with fine quality crystals in a beautiful arrangement. Valued in the inventory at $1,750.