Great Pyrite Heart on Stand from Peru

A pyrite heart from Peru in a metal stand. The cut piece displays the characteristic golden luster of polished pyrite surfaces, whose metallic reflections meet the heart's volume from every viewing angle.

Pyrite is iron sulfide with a distinctive metallic golden luster. This luster earned the mineral the name "fool's gold"; historically, pyrite was often mistaken for real gold. The luster is due to the electronic band structure of the iron sulfide crystal.

Peruvian pyrite deposits in Huanzala and Quiruvilca supply the highest quality material worldwide. Distinctive crystallography and clean luster make this provenance the primary source for polished pyrite jewelry.

The heart-shaped cut processing is a classic sculpting tradition. The polished heart geometry displays its full golden luster from every viewing angle. The metal stand fixes the piece in an upright display position.

With a Mohs hardness of 6.5, pyrite is hard but sensitive to moisture. Dry storage is the proper method of preservation; otherwise, oxidation to limonite is possible.