Pyrite

A superb pyrite crystal from the famous Navajún pyrite deposits of La Rioja, Spain. The crystal exhibits the remarkable geometric perfection for which the locality is world renowned, but with an added level of complexity rarely seen in the more typical simple cubes. Deep striations cover the crystal faces, the edges are beveled, and alternating convex and concave cube faces create a more sculptural appearance that changes dramatically as the specimen is rotated. The crystal also displays an intriguing intergrowth of multiple individual other cubes, possibly representing a penetration twin.

The bright brassy metallic lustre is exceptional, highlighting the sharp edges and intricate surface textures. Navajún is universally regarded as the world's premier locality for pyrite crystals, producing some of the finest natural cubes known. While many specimens from the locality consist of simple isolated cubes, examples displaying unusual growth habits and complex crystal development such as this are especially sought after by collectors. A highly aesthetic and unusually well-developed crystal from one of the world's classic mineral localities.