Pyrite

165 x 136 x 75 mm overall
51 mm Pyrite crystal

This exceptional specimen of Pyrite is from a locality that closed 30 years ago -- the Gavorrano Mine in Tuscany, Italy. Large Pyrite cubes with a nice old patina, to 5.1 cm on edge, are intergrown forming a matrix hosting many smaller Pyrite crystals ranging from a few mm to 1 cm in size. Pyrite is difficult to photograph, and in person, the specimen is less brassy than the photos show. A few of the larger Pyrite crystals show some trivial damage, but it does not detract from this fine, large display specimen. There is the expected damage around the margin of the specimen where it was removed.

The Gavorrano Mine was discovered in 1898, and was one of the largest mines of Pyrite in Europe. It ceased operations in 1981.

This specimen was purchased by Ron Gastil in the early 1970s, and comes with his original engraved brass label. It has been in my personal collection since 1981.

ex. Ron Gastil collection
ex. Robert Griffis personal collection