Pyrite with very many shiny pyrite cubes

A massive pyrite specimen with numerous clearly formed pyrite cubes and pentagonal dodecahedra, growing like a metallic mountain from the matrix.

Pyrite is iron sulfide (FeS₂). The cubic form arises from the mineral's cubic crystal system, one of the few mineral species that naturally forms nearly perfect cubes.

What distinguishes this specimen is the multitude of individual crystals. Each face shows a cube mosaic of dozens to hundreds of individual crystals, all with the characteristic brass-golden metallic luster.

Significant pyrite deposits for such clear cube specimens are found in Navajún (Spain) and Huanzala (Peru). Both deposits produce material of this textbook quality.

Pyrite oxidizes in high humidity (pyrite disease), so dry storage is essential. The metallic surface remains preserved for decades with correct storage.

A collector's item of the highest class, suitable as a teaching cabinet piece or a sculptural accent.