Arsenopyrite on Pyrite

Unknown Owner

This is an older specimen from the Huanzala mine high in the Andes mountains in Huánuco Department, Peru, made famous by its remarkable crystals of Pyrite. This cabinet sized specimen also contains Pyrite, but it is another sulphide mineral that grabs your attention here - Arsenopyrite. For a mineral that is quite common in ore deposits Arsenopyrite is rarely seen as well-formed crystals. This lovely specimen features an extensive crust of freestanding silvery metallic prismatic Arsenopyrite crystals, the longest of which reaches 1.8 cm in length. That said, most are in the region of 0.8 to 0.9 cm long. Some are damaged, snapped off at their base, but there are many excellent crystals on display across this specimen. Ex Nick Hawes collection.