Arsenopyrite with Quartz and Calcite – Bright Metallic Crystal Cluster

Specifications

Origin: Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Province, China
Dimensions: 7.5 × 6.5 × 3.0 cm
Weight:

Description

A pleasing small cabinet specimen featuring a dense cluster of bright, metallic arsenopyrite crystals set on a crystallized quartz matrix with minor calcite accents from the well-known Yaogangxian Mine. The arsenopyrite crystals reach up to approximately 0.8 cm and display sharp, blocky forms with well-defined faces and a strong silvery-metallic luster. The surfaces reflect light cleanly, creating an attractive sparkle across the top of the specimen. Several crystals show typical striations and stepped growth, adding texture and visual interest. The metallic arsenopyrite sits atop a bed of small, white quartz crystals that form a supportive matrix and provide good contrast to the darker metallic tones. Scattered among the quartz are small calcite crystals, which add additional variation in form and color without dominating the composition. The specimen presents well for its size, with the arsenopyrite forming a continuous layer across the top of the matrix. Overall condition is good, with the crystals remaining sharp and intact. Pieces like this from Yaogangxian are appreciated for their bright metallic arsenopyrite and balanced mineral associations, making them solid representatives of the locality in a manageable small cabinet format.

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