Arsenopyrite - iridescent crystals
stock #8.1-238
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
8.3 x 4.6 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Early summer 2021
Large and lustrous, the Arsenopyrite crystals here have a golden patina on the broad faces and a bright silvery color on the narrow faces. The golden faces have a color play in the patina and are especially attractive. The facing side of the specimen is in great condition. Part of the sides have contacts and there are saw marks on the back as well. None of those distractions are visible in a normal display. This presents deep striations and classic habit, the bigger crystals are over 4 CM and very clearly defined. Tiny bits of Quartz and Fluorite are also present. An older specimen (2008) from the great Yaogangxian.
A perfect main Arsenopyrite crystal with textbook form well-perched above the matrix of Muscovite and Quartz crystals. Brilliant metallic luster, no damage and great esthetics, a very choice miniature for the specie. The main Arsenopyrite is just over 2 CM and has a penetrating crystal (twin) that is in a X form, but is not very evident from the logical display angles. From finds almost 10 years ago at Yaoganxian. Hard to photograph the brilliant luster, this is great in person.
Arsenopyrite etc.
stock #8.1-170
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
8.1 x 6 x 5.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $420
Worldwide mix summer
A very unusual style of Arsenopyrite from the famed Yaogangxian mine. A small amount of Muscovite matrix and associations of Fluorite (small clear purple crystals), Quartz and Calcite are typical in these multi specie specimens, but by far the majority is Arsenopyrite. Unlike the usual silver color, this has the bronze-golden hue that was only found in one zone about 15 years ago. Chipping and bruising on the outer edges is clearly seen but all the main crystals are intact and very sharp. As well as the unusual color, several crystals have unusual habits although most of the largest crystals are more usual forms most of which are in parallel position. Despite the edge damage this is a choice piece.
An exceptional, elegant Pseudomorph ex. Ed Swoboda's fine collection of Pseudos. Likely mined pre 1970, there is nothing like this on the market. Tapered, curving crystals of the original Pyrrhotites formed a very esthetic cluster and reached to 5.3 CM long. The replacement by Arsenopyrite seems to be complete and has a brilliant sparkling luster. Minor associated Sulphides are seen but this is almost entirely Arsenopyrite/ Pyrrhotite. In great condition as seen, this displays well from all angles. A fine addition to any pseudo collection, Mexican or Sulphide suite.
Arsenopyrite with Hedenbergite and Lollingite
stock #AX-14-312
Huanggang Mine, Chifeng Prefecture, Hexigten Banner, Ulanhead League
Inner Mongolia Region,
China
6.2 x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $575
Spring 2014
Simply a very esthetic and bright shiny Arsenopyrite with first rate presentation. Ex Irv Brown Collection. Good Huanggang minerals are now the most sought after Chinese specimens and this is a particularly well-composed piece in excellent condition. Displays well from all angles.
