💎 Quartz with Pyrite and Minor Sphalerite – Peru

This glittering specimen features bright golden pyrite cubes nestled among a matrix of clear to milky quartz crystals. The pyrite displays excellent metallic luster and well-formed cubic and modified faces, contrasting sharply with the delicate quartz points radiating around it. Fine-grained beige inclusions suggest the presence of dolomite or calcite within the matrix, typical of Peruvian hydrothermal mineral pockets. The sharp, mirror-like pyrite combined with translucent quartz creates a striking balance of texture and brilliance. ⸻ 🔬 Scientific Information • Primary minerals: Pyrite (FeS₂) and Quartz (SiO₂) • Associated minerals: Minor dolomite or calcite; possible sphalerite specks (dark metallic grains) • Locality: Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Áncash Department, Peru • Formation environment: Hydrothermal vein in limestone host rock • Crystal habit: Pyrite – cubic and striated, Quartz – prismatic, terminated points • Hardness: Pyrite 6–6.5, Quartz 7 • Luster: Metallic (pyrite) and vitreous (quartz)