Iron Pyrite Cubic Crystal Cluster, Navajún, Spain—SM9

This metallic cluster has serious gravitas! This is a substantial cluster of one Iron pyrite cubic crystal, from Navajun, Spain. The pyrite crystal is unshaped and unpolished—it naturally forms cubes. It has formed on the matrix rock and been left as an aesthetic specimen, with appealing shape and textural contrast. The pyrite crystal displays sharp cubic edges with varying levels of perfection, some corners with more damage than others. The specimen is beautifully aesthetic, and it displays natural geometric symmetry and golden-grey color. An amazing and substantial example of symmetry, for lovers of science and beauty! Locality: Navajún, La Rioja, Spain Dimensions: 2.25” x 1.75” x 1.75” (57mm x 44mm x 44mm) Weight: contact me Note: some of the mines in this region employ repair to reconstruct clusters that broke apart in the process of extraction. It is used sparingly and should only be used to reconstruct clusters that were initially found intact. Iron pyrite is also known as fool's gold, for its similarities to gold. It is an iron sulfide mineral, and is an iron ore. Pyrite forms in the cubic system--it forms geometric shapes such as cubes and dodecahedrons (4 sided and 12 sided crystals, respectively). Navajún is generally considered the source for the world’s best cubic pyrite crystals! Located in the Alcarama Mountains of La Rioja, Spain, what is now Navajún was inhabited in 300BC by people who used the pyrite crystals for magic, and later in medieval times the inhabitants of Navajún used the cubes for “medical purposes” (including ingesting them, a very poor idea.) From 1965 to now, Navajún mining operations have continued to yield amazing cubic crystals growing in marl matrix. Healing Properties: Pyrite is a stone of masculine, solar energy. It is believed to carry the energy of vitality and action. Pyrite is also believed to aid in manifestation and shield the bearer from negative energy. *Though many gems and minerals have historical and cultural associations with healing properties, these items are sold for display, study, and collector interest only. Check out more crystals and specimens in my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhenomenalGems?ref=si_shop