Mirror-Luster Octahedral Pyrite Cluster – Huanzalá, Peru – 0.37 lbs

An exceptional Octahedral Pyrite Cluster from the Huanzalá Mine in Peru, featuring tightly intergrown metallic crystals with brilliant golden luster, crisp geometric edges, and dramatic three-dimensional architecture. Mounted upright on a custom display base, this sculptural specimen measures approximately 3 inches tall and weighs 0.37 pounds.

The primary display face presents a dense arrangement of pyrite crystals extending outward in multiple directions. Angular faces meet along sharp ridges, creating a complex landscape of interlocking geometric forms. Several larger crystals rise above the surrounding growth, while smaller crystals fill the spaces between them.

Broad reflective surfaces shift from bright brass-gold to darker metallic bronze and near-black mirror reflections depending on the lighting and viewing angle. These darker areas are reflections across smooth crystal faces rather than a separate mineral coating.

Many crystals exhibit a combination of triangular, angular, and modified faces consistent with octahedral and related pyrite growth habits. Some faces are broad and highly reflective, while others display fine natural striations, stepped growth, or subtle surface irregularities.

The cluster’s arrangement gives it a distinctly architectural appearance. Individual crystals project from the front, sides, and upper edge, creating alternating planes of light and shadow. Close inspection reveals smaller intergrown crystals nested between the dominant forms.

The reverse is also heavily crystallized, displaying a denser field of smaller golden pyrite crystals with a more intricate, uneven texture. This extensive crystallization across multiple sides gives the specimen considerably greater display interest than a flat pyrite plate.

Its mounted presentation elevates the cluster above a black custom display base, allowing the metallic formation to stand at an angle that emphasizes its natural geometry. The dark base provides strong visual contrast against the rich brass-gold crystal surfaces.

Measuring approximately 2.5 × 2 × 3 inches and weighing 0.37 pounds, this specimen combines substantial crystal coverage, intense mirror-like reflections, complex intergrowth, and a ready-to-display presentation. It is an excellent collector example from Peru’s celebrated Huanzalá pyrite locality.

Specifications

Mineral: Pyrite

Formation: Intergrown octahedral and modified geometric pyrite cluster

Locality: Huanzalá Mine, Huallanca District, Bolognesi Province, Áncash, Peru

Weight: 0.37 lbs, approximately 168 grams

Dimensions: Approximately 2.5 × 2 × 3 inches

Color: Brass gold, bright metallic yellow, warm bronze, silver-gold, and dark mirror-like reflections

Crystal Habit: Intergrown octahedral and modified pyrite crystals with angular faces, sharp ridges, and variable surface development

Primary Display Face: Dense cluster of larger reflective crystals with smaller intergrown secondary growth

Reverse: Extensively crystallized golden pyrite with a more complex, finely textured surface

Surface Features: Natural growth striations, stepped faces, subtle surface textures, crystal contacts, and reflective metallic planes

Luster: Metallic, ranging from bright reflective to mirror-like

Transparency: Opaque

Chemical Formula: FeS₂

Crystal System: Isometric

Mohs Hardness: Approximately 6–6.5

Mounting: Affixed to a custom display base produced in-house

Display: Elevated upright collector specimen with multiple attractive viewing angles

Condition: Natural mineral specimen with inherent crystal contacts, incomplete crystals, minor edge irregularities, natural growth textures, surface variations, and extraction or preparation marks

Exact specimen shown

About Huanzalá Pyrite

The Huanzalá Mine in Peru is known among mineral collectors for producing attractive pyrite specimens with strong metallic luster and a variety of crystal habits. These formations can display cubes, octahedral forms, pyritohedral faces, and combinations of several geometric habits within the same cluster.

Pyrite belongs to the isometric crystal system and is composed of iron disulfide. Its characteristic brass-yellow color and reflective metallic surfaces make it one of the most recognizable sulfide minerals.

An octahedron is a crystal form defined by eight triangular faces. Natural pyrite crystals may show modified versions of this habit, with additional crystal faces, truncated edges, or intergrowth that obscures parts of the ideal geometry. The term “octahedral” describes the prevailing visual character of this cluster without suggesting that every crystal is a perfect, isolated eight-sided form.

The strong mirror effect results from naturally developed crystal faces rather than artificial polishing. Fine striations and stepped areas reveal how the crystals grew, while smoother faces produce broad metallic reflections.

The changing black, silver, and gold tones visible in the photographs result from reflections of the surrounding environment and lighting. The specimen’s natural body color remains characteristic brass-gold pyrite.

Pyrite should be stored in a dry environment away from prolonged humidity. Handle the specimen by its display base, avoid soaking or harsh chemical cleaners, and remove dust with a soft, dry brush or gentle air blower.

Collector Notes

This specimen features:

• Natural pyrite from the Huanzalá Mine, Peru.
• Octahedral and modified geometric crystal habits.
• Dense intergrowth of numerous individual pyrite crystals.
• Brilliant brass-gold metallic coloration.
• Strong mirror-like reflections.
• Broad angular crystal faces.
• Sharp geometric ridges and crystal edges.
• Natural stepped growth and fine surface striations.
• Larger primary crystals with smaller secondary growth.
• Three-dimensional architectural formation.
• Extensive crystallization across the front and reverse.
• Strong visual contrast between reflective and textured areas.
• Multiple attractive viewing angles.
• Compact 0.37-pound collector size.
• Approximately 3-inch upright display.
• Custom display base produced in-house.
• Elevated, ready-to-display presentation.
• Exact specimen pictured.

Perfect for collectors of Peruvian pyrite, Huanzalá minerals, octahedral pyrite, metallic crystals, geometric mineral formations, sulfide minerals, and mounted collector specimens.

Professionally packaged and shipped from Colorado.

You will receive the exact specimen shown.

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