Pyrargyrite

specimen number:
8911029

location:
San Genaro Mine, Castrovirreyna, Huancavelica, Peru

description:
Superb miniature for the species and locality, a cluster of bright lustrous sharp pyrargyrite crystals, the largest measuring to 1.5 cm in size, without matrix. This is in good condition. The specimen comes with several previous labels, including one from the Alton Collection and from Rock Currier.

Located within the historic mineral-rich Andean metallogenic belt of the Castrovirreyna province in Huancavelica, Peru, the San Genaro Province Click to open side panel for more information mining district is hosted inside complex Cenozoic volcanic and sedimentary rock sequences shaped by extensive hydrothermal vein systems. This rugged terrain has a rich history of deep underground mining dating back centuries, initially exploited during the colonial era for silver and later developed for base metals and precious metal ores. The mine is especially renowned among mineralogists for producing exceptional specimens of pyrargyrite, a prized silver sulfosalt mineral often referred to as dark red silver ore. Pyrargyrite forms here in low- to intermediate-sulfidation hydrothermal veins, yielding deep red to nearly black crystals with characteristic adamantine luster that frequently crystallize alongside other silver sulfosalts and quartz.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.