Pyrite (excellent quality) (ex Richard A. Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

In the early 1970s, Richard Kosnar was one of the first US mineral dealers to actively start importing minerals from Peru. The specimens that came out of the famous Huanzala Mine 50 years ago are still as impressive as when they were found in terms of size, aesthetics and quality. This small cabinet specimens was part of Rich's collection from the time he acquired it until his death in 2007. The piece features a fantastic, highly lustrous, brilliant, brassy golden colored pyritohedron of Pyrite measuring a full 5.0 cm across associated with a few smaller accenting Pyrite crystals on white Calcite with no matrix. The photos simply do not do the piece justice, as the impressive nature of the main Pyrite along with the overall visual appeal are truly difficult to capture with a camera. While the main Pyrite is in excellent condition on the display side, please know that the back of the piece is contacted where it was removed from the pocket wall. It's a fantastic overall specimen, and very eye-catching in person. One of the more attractive Peruvian Pyrites that we've had to offer in the auctions recently, and the fact that it dates back half a century makes it all the more valuable. Priced at $1,500 in the inventory.