Pyrite

LOCATION:

Gavorrano Mine, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy

DESCRIPTION:

This exceptional specimen of Pyrite is from the Gavorrano Mine in Tuscany, Italy, that was closed in 1984. 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 1984.

This specimen was purchased by Ron in the early 1970s, and has been in my personal collection since 1981.

SIZE: 165 x 136 x 75 mm overall (Large Cabinet)
         51 mm Pyrite crystal

COLLECTION: ex. Ron Gastil collection
ex. Robert Griffis personal collection