Arsenopyrite with Calcite, Pyrite and Sphalerite from Mina Noche Buena, Zacatecas, Mexico

This attractive arsenopyrite specimen comes from the well-known Mina Noche Buena in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. The display side is densely covered with well-formed, metallic arsenopyrite crystals. Small white calcite aggregates add bright accents and create a clear contrast with the silver-gray metallic luster of the crystals. Fine pyrite and sphalerite aggregates are also present in places.

The numerous sharply formed crystals give the specimen a lively structure. The even crystal coverage creates a balanced appearance and makes the piece suitable both for collections of Mexican minerals and for systematic collections of sulfide minerals.

Arsenopyrite Locality in the State of Zacatecas

Mina Noche Buena is located in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. The polymetallic ore deposit is known for various sulfide minerals and sulfosalts. In addition to arsenopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, calcite, jamesonite and bournonite have been documented from the locality.

Arsenopyrite from this locality often occurs as metallic crystals and may be associated with calcite, pyrite or sphalerite. This specimen displays this mineralogical diversity on a densely crystallized display side.