Pyrite

The village of Navajún in the La Rioja district of central northern Spain holds the distinction of being one of the best known mineral localities in the world. There, the quality of Pyrite crystals moves into a whole new dimension! This choice double cube is so characteristic of this locality, where one corner of the smaller crystal impinges into the face of the larger. Like so many of these specimens, the two crystals have become detached at some stage, possibly while in-situ, as there is often a thin film of yellow-buff marl binding the two together, forming a weak layer which readily parts. The two have been glued back together, but extremely carefully and using a non-fluorescent, colourless adhesive which is totally invisible. Each crystal has mirror-like, smooth and reflective faces, razor-sharp edges, perfect and sharp corners and are brassy-gold with a bright metallic lustre. A delightful small miniature from Navajún in Spain.