From the recent finds in Peru (January 2010), this is a hefty, 750-gram specimen of pink fluorite perched BETWEEN bright pyrite on one side, and stark, metallic galena on the other side! The contrasts are striking - I have never seen such a nice combo, with BOTH species side by side flanking the fluorite. The pyrite is in the form of small crystals, with brilliant lustre; while the galenas are bigger crystals with a strange waxy lustre and almost silky in appearance. The contrasts and sparkle factor are very pronounced , here. The pink fluorite measures nearly 5 cm across its bottom edge, so this is a sizable and significant piece. It is pristine as well. We saw a large part of this pocket, and I felt for the overall associations, this was one of the most interesting pieces among them.

A beautiful, rolling plate of classic dark red-pink rhodochrosite, from the famous Oppu Mine. These are noted for their association with flat, embedded pyrite crystals as you see here. Old material, seldom seen today.

This specimen is from classic 1960s finds here, known as one of the most stylish pockets produced by the famous iron mines of this island. It features DISCRETE AND ISOLATED crystals of pyrite to 4 cm, well spread out on sparkling, specular hematite matrix. The contrast is striking, in person! Usually the pyrites are intergrown and a large specimen like this might be more "clunky" than elegant. Due to the 3-dimensional nature of the piece, and the skill of the trim work done, though, it displays very elegantly indeed. It is hefty, at 7.5 pounds weight. Formerly in the noted collection of Marc Weill.