Apatite & Sphalerite – Huanzala Mine, Ancash, Peru

Apatite & Sphalerite – Huanzala Mine, Ancash, Peru

A remarkable mineral specimen from the legendary Huanzala mine in the Peruvian Andes. This combination unites three geologically significant minerals: golden-lustrous pyrite, black sphalerite, and white hexagonal apatite crystals on a quartz-calcite matrix.

The Gold of the Andes: Pyrite

The specimen is dominated by massive, golden-yellow pyrite crystals with an intense metallic luster. Pyrite (iron sulfide) was historically called "fool's gold" or "fool's gold" due to its golden color and exhibits typical cubic to octahedral crystal forms with perfectly formed faces.

The metallic sheen is so intense that the surfaces look like polished gold – a fascinating interplay of light and reflection.

Black sphalerite: The zinc ore

Black sphalerite (zinc blende) forms small, highly lustrous crystals with a characteristic adamantine luster. As the main ore for zinc, sphalerite is economically important and exhibits the typical tetrahedral crystal form. The extreme contrast between golden-yellow pyrite and deep black sphalerite crystals gives the specimen a dramatic effect.

White apatite: The hexagonal crystals

Small, white to whitish-gray apatite crystals with a characteristic hexagonal shape grow among the large pyrite crystals. These hexagonal crystals are typical of apatite and clearly visible in this specimen – a mineralogical detail that makes the specimen particularly interesting for connoisseurs.

The Huanzala Mine

The Huanzala mine in the Huallanca district (Ancash region, Peru) lies at an altitude of over 4,000 meters in the Andes Mountains and is one of the most important polymetallic deposits in South America. Zinc, lead, silver, and copper have been mined here from hydrothermal veins since the 1950s.

The mine is known worldwide among collectors for outstanding pyrite and sphalerite crystals in combination with rare accompanying minerals such as apatite, quartz and calcite.

Geological context

This mineral paragenesis originated through hydrothermal processes: Hot, mineral-rich solutions rose from the depths and crystallized in fissures and cavities within the rock. The crystallization sequence: Calcite matrix → Pyrite → Sphalerite → Apatite → Quartz.

Visual impact

Under light, the specimen reveals its full splendor: the pyrite surfaces reflect gold, the sphalerite displays a diamond-like brilliance, and the white apatite crystals add bright accents. Its compact size makes it ideal for display in a showcase, while the intense color effect is impressive even from a distance.

TECHNICAL DATA:

• Dimensions: approx. 5.5 × 6 × 4 cm (L × W × H)
• Weight: 220 g
• Main minerals: Apatite (calcium phosphate), sphalerite (zinc blende)
• Associated minerals: Pyrite (iron sulfide), quartz, calcite
• Mohs hardness: Apatite 5 | Sphalerite 3.5-4 | Pyrite 6-6.5
• Color: White-transparent (apatite), black-grey (sphalerite), golden yellow (pyrite)
• Location: Huanzala Mine, Huallanca, Ancash, Peru
• Special feature: Rare mineral paragenesis, perfect crystal combination
• Includes: Transparent acrylic base with location label

COLLECTIBLE VALUE & AUTHENTICITY:

We source our exhibits from carefully selected sources: mineral shows, private collections, and direct contacts at mineral sites worldwide. Every piece is checked for authenticity.

presentation

The specimen is presented on a transparent, high-quality acrylic glass base with inscription indicating its location of discovery.

SHIPMENT:

Insured shipping in sturdy packaging. Collection in the Bergisches Land region is possible by arrangement.

If you have any questions about the origin, authenticity or other details, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.