Pyrite on Spessartine Garnet with Smoky Quartz

Item Description

Mere mention of the name 'Tongbei' immediately brings forth images of the great Spassartine/Smoky combinations from the Wushan mine. A good reference example from the heyday for this famous locality, this small cabinet piece has quite gemmy, twinned, and striated orange Spessartines to 5 mm, a 1.1 cm Smoky Quartz crystal, and Pyrites to 1.2 cm. There is just the tiniest bit of wear on the Smoky. However, what is really rare is this pyrite association! Pyrite on garnet is rare for any location, and particularly dramatic from here, with these color contrasts. The Pyrites have an interesting texture and an even more compelling, intergrown habit that is subtle.