PYRITE & QUARTZ

03812

Locality

Niccioleta Mine, Massa Marittima, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy

Dimensions (H x W x D)

13 x 16 x 10 cm

Weight

Description & Provenance

Although widely known and among the more common minerals on earth, pyrite is capable of producing several different physical characteristics that can make it quite varied. Spanish pyrite, for example, is popular for having exceptionally smooth faces and crisp, exact edges; and Peruvian pyrite tends to exhibit gorgeous texture in the form perfectly parallel, linear striations. In addition to its differing crystal habits and textures, it has also been known to be associated with several different minerals. Calcite, quartz, and sphalerite are just a few of the minerals one might find with pyrite. It is these differences that provide collectors with an endless number of options for pyrite alone. This is a sculptural and artistic Italian example that has two cubic primary crystals that have intergrown with one another to create a new, sculptural composition. Sharp and geometric, their lustrous faces are striated, adding texture to the crystals and further accentuating their sharp geometry. Dense clusters of tiny quartz crystals have formed on just some of the outer edges of the cubic pyrite. Resembling tufts of snow, they add even more texture and contrast to the gleaming, golden cubes.

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