Chalcopyrite

These dark gray rhombs are a very uncommon colour for calcite - and that is because they are richly included with boulangerite, something that is actually characteristic for this locality. Sometimes they form sharp euhedral crystals as in this case, but other times, rounded "flowers" or other forms. These crystals (to 0.5 cm) sit on an attractive base of large chalcopyrite crystals, with a protruding milky quartz crystal.

Origin: Cavnic, Romania

Sample size: 7.6 x 5.6 x 3.7 cm

Chalcopyrite with quartz

Origin: Baia Sprie, Maramures, Romania

Sample size: 14.1 x 9.0 x 3.6 cm

Photo courtesy of:

Rob Lavinsky

The Arkenstone

Chalcopyrite with sphalerite and minor galena

Origin: Dal'negorsk (Dalnegorsk), Primorskiy Kray, Far-Eastern Region, Russia

Ex. Scott Williams collection

Sample size: 6 x 4 x 3 cm

Chalcopyrite with sphalerite

Origin: Animon Mine (Alimon Mine), Huaron Mining District, San Jose de Huayllay District, Cerro de Pasco, Alcides Carrión Province, Pasco Department, Peru

Sample size: 7 x 2.5 x 3.7 cm