Fine rock crystal cluster with pyrite hedgehogs

A fine rock crystal group with pyrite "hedgehogs" from Cavnic, Romania. Two minerals from a historic ore deposit, grown synchronously in constellation.

The rock crystal and pyrite constellation documents a specific deposit history. In a hydrothermal ore region, both minerals crystallized synchronously or sequentially. The Romanian deposits in Cavnic (Maramureș) have been mined since the Middle Ages.

Pyrite "hedgehogs" are dense aggregates of smaller pyrite cubes or pentagonal dodecahedra. They sit radially on rock crystal tips; the "hedgehog" shape is a growth geometry determined by the find.

Pyrite is hard (Mohs 6.5), but can oxidize under unfavorable storage conditions. Dry storage is the professional preservation method for multi-mineral specimens.

A Romanian collector's item with Cavnic provenance, two-mineral genesis, and a handy display cabinet format.