Fossils: Pyrite

Pyrite, or 'Iron Pyrite', is an iron sulfide with the formula FeS2. This mineral's metallic luster and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow hue have earned it the nickname fool's gold because of its resemblance to gold. The colour has also led to the nicknames brass, brazzle and Brazil, primarily used to refer to pyrite found in coal.

Pyrites From Navajun; La Rioja Spain

Pyrite, Iron Sulfide (FeS2), Crystallizes in the cubic system. The Pyrites from Navajun were found during the Mesozoic Era, at the end of the Jurassic Period, approximately 120 million years ago.

They were originated within the sediments of a large delta that covered the Cameros Sierra. The Pyrites are contemporary to the Dinosaurs that lived in the same region, of which many remains have been found near the mine.

Although Pyrites are relatively abundant in nature, where they can be found either in a massive or crystallized from, it is not common to find crystals fully finished with the perfection and shine of those from Navajun.

The high quality of the Navajuns Pyrites, makes them to be well appreciated all over the world. They form part of the most prestigious mineral collections, and are exhibited in renowned Museums such as theSmithsonian Institute Museum in Washington, Houston, Paris, etc.

The mine at Navajun began to be worked during the sixties. Its production is used exclusively by collectors and for decoration purposes; being the only Pyritemine in the world exploited just for this purpose.

Location

Aguilar Del Rio Alhama, La Rioja, Spain

Technical Name

Iron Pyrite

Informal Name

Fools Gold

Other Nomenclature

Pyrite

Pyrites

Pyrite Crystals

Pyrite Mineral

Chispa