Fluorite on Pyrite with Barite & Sphalerite
Milpo mine, Atacocha mining district,
Cerro de Pasco, Pasco province, Pasco, Peru
17.5cm wide x 8cm tall
A dramatic cluster of deep emerald-green fluorite crystals rises from a densely crystallized matrix of bright, mirror-lustrous pyrite crystals. The fluorites exhibit the modified octahedral habit characteristic of Milpo material, with broad, highly reflective faces and subtle cubic modifications that create crisp geometric edges. Their excellent transparency allows light to penetrate the crystals, producing an intense internal glow that shifts from rich forest green to vivid bottle green depending on illumination.
The pyrite matrix forms a dazzling golden foundation composed of tightly packed crystals, creating a striking color contrast with the fluorite. The metallic pyrite reflects light from every angle, enhancing the specimen's brilliance while emphasizing the saturated green fluorite above.
Nestled among the fluorite crystals is a contrasting cream-colored bladed barite crystal, providing a soft visual accent against the metallic gold and vivid green. Small dark sphalerite crystals scattered throughout the specimen add further mineralogical interest and textural complexity.
This specimen presents exceptional balance, with fluorite crystals distributed evenly across the pyrite matrix to create a natural "garden" of gemmy green crystals emerging from a glittering golden landscape. The combination of sharp crystal form, strong color saturation, high luster, and contrasting mineral associations makes it an outstanding representative of the celebrated Milpo Mine finds.