Peruvian Treasures

Apr 26, 2023

Between the recent Peruvian finds of saturated chrysocolla, deep green fluorite, and mirror-like pyrites, this region of the world is definitely experiencing a resurgence in interest from mineral collectors. We blended a combination crystals from newer finds and old classics (think old Peruvian rhodochrosites from the Jack Halpern collection, plus new chrysocolla specimens from Tentadora) to showcase a range of beautiful material from an assortment of Peruvian localities.

Explore our New Peru Gallery

Intense Green Fluorites

Bold green fluorites burst on the scene in the last few years, and at first glance one might think they were South African. Make no mistake, these rich green fluorites (often paired with pyrite) are contemporary finds from Peru. View more info on this piece, or explore other green fluorites from Peru.

Bold green fluorite on pyrite. Small cabinet specimen from Cerro de Pasco, Peru. — *Green fluorite with pyrite from Cerro de Pasco, Peru.*

Brilliant, Mirror-like Pyrites

Peru is renowned for its superb, sharply formed, bright metallic, brass-yellow Pyrites in a variety of crystal forms. We have several stunning mirror-bright and beautifully striated pyrites from Huanzala and Racracancha, handpicked by multigenerational Peruvian Dealers for their private collection (ex. Ramos Family). View more info on this piece, or explore other pyrites from Peru.

Brass-yellow pyrite octahedrons coated with dark sphalerite druse from Huanzala Mine, Huallanca Dist., Bolognesi Prov., Áncash, Peru. — *Pyrite with Sphalerite from Huanzala Mine, Huallanca Dist., Bolognesi Prov., Áncash, Peru*

Rich Red Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite from Peru may not be in the spotlight as often as that from Colorado and South Africa but the good ones are definitely something to behold. We have a few older finds of cherry-red, sharp rhodochrosites available in recent postings from Peru (ex. Jack Halpern – added prestige!). View more info on this piece, or explore other rhodochrosites from Peru.

Cherry-red, completely terminated rhodochrosite miniature from Uchucchacua Mine, Oyón Dist, Oyón Prov., Lima, Peru. — *Rhodochrosite from Uchucchacua Mine, Oyón Dist, Oyón Prov., Lima, Peru*

Quartz Combinations

Chrysocolla: A relatively small find in the late 2010s at the Tentadora mine resulted in boldly-colored chrysocolla specimens coating sharp quartz crystals. In some instances, the blue chrysocolla acts as a quartz coating, and in others, bubbling botryoidal growths form in accent. View more info on this piece, or explore other chrysocolla with quartz from Peru.

Deep blue chrysocolla on Quartz from contemporary finds at Tentadora Mine, Julcani Dist., Angaraes Prov., Huancavelica, Peru. — *Chrysocolla on Quartz from Tentadora Mine, Julcani Dist., Angaraes Prov., Huancavelica, Peru*

Hubnerite: This sharp, angular quartz with dark, metallic hubnerite came out over a decade ago, and these well-formed crystals also are emplaced on a matrix of pale pink fluorite and surrounded by water-clear quartz. View more info on this piece, or explore other hubnerite combos from Peru.

Hubnerite and gemmy clear quartz on pink fluorite from Pasto Bueno, Pampas Dist., Pallasca Prov., Áncash, Peru. — Quartz and Hubnerite on Fluorite from Pasto Bueno, Pampas Dist., Pallasca Prov., Áncash, Peru.

Tetrahedrite: This tetrahedrite with quartz and pyrite is another sparkling combo from Peru, from Mundo Nuevo, which also produces world-class augelites. The gemmy quartzes reach over 4 inches in length, and the tetrahedrite stands out from the pyrite due to its slight bronzey-blue patina. View more info on this piece, or explore other tetrahedrite combos from Peru.

Tetrahedrite and pyrite on gemmy quartz crystals – Mundo Nuevo Mine, La Libertad, Peru

Looking for other specimens from Peru? Head to iRocks.com/browse to explore some of the available offerings we have, or send us an email at info@iRocks.com for assistance with custom-sourcing a specimen for your mineral and crystal collection.