Peruvian Pyrite Cluster | Peru Jasper dimensions: 1

dimensions: 1

Many specimens are covered with small bumps and nodes that add to its rugged

Las Choyas geodes

Its head shield (cephalon) is rimmed with strong spines

There is also some evidence suggesting human hunting pressure may have contributed to their decline

Peruvian Pyrite Cluster | Peru Jasper dimensions: 1This is beautiful cluster of gleaming pyrite crystals. It comes from the Huanzala Mine in Peru and the entire specimen measures 2" across. The mineral pyrite or iron pyrite is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold. Pyrite is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2.