This remarkable small cabinet Japanese Chalcopyrite specimen is documented as from Osarizawa mine in Akita Prefecture, but I have found nothing comparable online suggesting perhaps that it is from another of Japan's famous copper mines within that Prefecture. Consisting a solid aggregate of exceptionally bright golden metallic Chalcopyrite the upper display surface is covered in the most amazing tetragonal Chalcopyrite crystals reaching 2.2 cm on edge (depending on the angle one - possibly twinned - crystal reaches 3.5 cm on edge) but featuring a contrasting darker brassy tarnish. The crystals are extremely well-defined for this species and although there are a few chips along the edges of couple of crystals the bright underlying Chalcopyrite almost enhances the beauty. Under magnification some of the Chalcopyrite crystals are coated with tiny silvery-grey bladed crystals, possibly Marcasite. A gorgeous Japanese classic, rarely ever seen in this quality and possibly dating back to the 1960s or 1970s. Ex David Hardman collection, no. 1425.
