Pyrite after Pyrrhotite (SUL-0012)

specimen number:
9273244

location:
Huanzala Mine, Huallanca, Bolognesi, Ancash, Peru

description:

A cluster of thin bladed pyrrhotite crystals, these now replaced by bright sparkling golden crystallized pyrite. This is in good condition.

The Huanzala Mine, located in the high Andes of the Ancash Department in Peru, is a historic underground polymetallic mining center that has operated for decades to extract valuable base metal ores. Geologically, the deposit is situated within a complex skarn and carbonate-replacement environment associated with Tertiary intrusive activity, where hydrothermal fluids reacted with surrounding limestone formations. This geological setting resulted in rich concentrations of sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite. Beyond its industrial production, the mine is world-famous among mineral collectors for yielding magnificent, museum-quality specimens of bright pyrite clusters, as well as desirable pink fluorite crystals often found in association with quartz and other sulfides.

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