Elba is famous for its fine Tourmalines, but over the years it has also produced large, very impressive Pyrites associated with Hematite. These brassy, reflective Pyrites from this iron mine are highly desired, especially pieces with the combination of sparkling blades of Hematite such as this one. There are three distinct pyritohedrons on the Hematite matrix with the largest measuring an incredible 3.2 cm on edge, and the other two are 1.5 and 1.3 cm on edge. Their growth on the Hematite is interesting in that the undersides are almost skeletal as they grew on the silvery, dark gray Hematite blades. Iron mining on Elba was initiated in Etruscan times and then commercially in the 1900s. 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. Incredible for a full miniature in this quality! It came from the well known collection of Dr. Giancarlo Fioravanti, who specialized in Italian minerals and had a truly awesome suite of Elba pyrites numbering in the hundreds (I stopped counting at 500), which was broken up and sold some years ago.