Cubic Pyrite Crystals from Navajún, Spain

This pyrite specimen comes from the Victoria Mine near Navajún in the Spanish province of La Rioja. Two brass-yellow pyrite crystals sit on a pale marl matrix.

The crystals show a distinctly cubic habit with clearly defined cube faces. The larger crystal reaches an edge length of approximately 1 cm. Both crystals are partly intergrown with each other and with the matrix. Their surfaces show a distinct metallic luster.

Measuring 6.5 × 3.0 × 4.0 cm, the piece belongs to the small cabinet specimen size category. It weighs 80 g.

Pyrite from the Classic Navajún Locality

Navajún is one of the best-known localities for cubic pyrite. The crystals occur there in pale sedimentary rocks and are especially known for their clearly developed cubic forms and metallic surfaces.

The pyrite crystals formed within the sedimentary matrix. During extraction, some crystals are exposed together with the surrounding rock, allowing natural matrix specimens to be preserved.

The two pyrite cubes, pale marl matrix, and provenance from this classic locality make the piece a characteristic pyrite specimen from Navajún.