Product Overview
This is a natural rainbow pyrite specimen showing the iridescent coloration that forms on pyrite's surface through a thin oxidation layer, sitting on a base of yellow limonite matrix. The specimen weighs 339 grams and measures 118 x 57 x 41 mm. It comes from Dara-i-Adam Khel in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan, a locality known for producing pyrite on limonite with this kind of surface tarnish and color play. The piece is untreated and natural, part of our Pyrite Crystals collection.
Product Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Weight | 339 gram |
| Size | 118 x 57 x 41 mm |
| Shape/Cut | Natural Crystal Cluster, on Matrix |
| Color | Rainbow Iridescent Pyrite on Yellow Limonite |
| Treatment | Natural |
| Origin | Dara-i-Adam Khel, KPK Province, Pakistan |
| Family | Pyrite (Iron Sulfide) on Limonite Matrix |
What Makes This Specimen Relevant
Pyrite is one of the most recognized minerals among collectors, often called fool's gold for its metallic, brass-yellow luster. What sets this iridescent pyrite mineral apart is the rainbow color play across the crystal surfaces, a visual effect caused by a thin film forming on the pyrite as it interacts with its surroundings over time. Pairing that iridescence with a yellow limonite matrix gives this natural pyrite specimen strong color contrast and display appeal, which is part of why rainbow pyrite pieces like this one are sought after separately from standard brass-gold pyrite clusters. As with most pieces in our broader Minerals & Crystals collection, the size here (in the 100-120mm range) puts it comfortably in cabinet-specimen territory. For a closer look at what collectors weigh when judging a piece like this, see what makes a mineral specimen valuable.
Buying Considerations
Because the rainbow effect on pyrite is a surface phenomenon, this raw pyrite crystal is best kept dry and handled carefully to preserve the coloration and matrix integrity over time — our guide on how to clean and care for raw mineral specimens covers the basics. As with most raw mineral specimens, natural variation in the limonite base and crystal formation means every piece is unique. If you're planning where it'll sit once it arrives, our tips on displaying mineral specimens at home are worth a look. This specimen ships with express shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pyrite specimen natural or treated?
It is natural and untreated. No color enhancement or coating has been applied; the rainbow effect is a naturally occurring surface iridescence on the pyrite crystals.
Where does this pyrite specimen come from?
It comes from Dara-i-Adam Khel, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan.
How big is this pyrite specimen?
It weighs 339 grams and measures approximately 118 x 57 x 41 mm.