Iridescent Chalcopyrite on Calcite from Daye Copper Mine, China

Dimension: 3.9cm x 2.6cm x 1.8cm
Weight: 20g
Locality: Tonglushan Mine, Daye Co., Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province, China
 
Tetrahedral twins Chalcopyrite crystals interlinked to form a brassy metal layer, wrapping an intergrown Calcite crystals matrix which is fluorescent to longwave UV lighting 365nm.  The metallic iridescent, shiny Chalcopyrite display a very pleasant and sculptural form and in rainbow colors, so attractive in person! Tonglushan Mine has been mined continuously since the Chinese bronze age and this specimen is unique among many I have seen there. This is a rare old-time Daye material from the 1980’s of mining in this world famous mine.  The piece will be aesthetically set in a high quality acrylic box especially made for displaying specimens.
 
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