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Cubanite

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Cubanite is a relatively widespread, but still rare copper iron sulphide, which very rarely forms good crystals. It is chemically similar to Chalcopyrite, but not identical, but displays a similar golden-pyrite type colour and lustre. The world's finest crystals of Cubanite come from Henderson No.2 mine in Quebec, Canada where the first samples were thought to be Pyrite. They were discovered during mining operations by Campbell Chibougamau Mines Ltd in 1974. Examination at the Geological Museum of Laval University revealed them to be twinned Cubanite crystals, and the world's best! The rush was then on to collect and preserve as many fine specimens as possible, but mining operations took priority. The mine eventually shut down in 1982 and the recovered specimens are now highly sought after, particularly as the "best of" species. This fantastic small cabinet display specimen hosts at least four sharply formed stellate twinned flat-lying Cubanite crystals on Calcite, the largest measuring 2 cm across. Compared with the largest known crystal reported in the famous 1983 Mineralogical Record article detailing this discovery - at 3 cm - this is an impressive piece. Several of the crystals overlay each other and many smaller crystals are also to be seen on the layered Calcite matrix. Most of the crystals show 'fanned' frayed edges, rather than sharp hexagonal sides. This is from how the twinning developed as the crystals grew and is quite distinctive of this occurrence. The Cubanite crystals display a rich deep brassy metallic yellow colour and as the specimen is rotated in the light, reflections from individual twinned crystal faces can be observed. A superb Canadian classic.