Golden Metallic Pyrite Ball from Daye Mine
Dimension: 3.6cm x 3.4cm x 3.6cm
Weight: 103g
Locality: Fengjiashan Mine (Daye Copper mine), Daye Co., Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province, China
This is an extremely rare, natural pyrite ball collected in the Hubei Province of China in shinny golden metallic colour. These pyrite concretions form within layers of shale. An extraordinary specimen that reclaims a special attention, both for its spectacular appearance and for its complexity.
Pyrite is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because of its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits. Smaller (druzy) crystal aggregates may give off a beautiful glistening effects, and larger crystals may be perfectly formed, including fascinating balls and cubes, penetration twins, and other interesting crystal forms.