Product Details

This one-of-a-kind and rare chalcopyrite ball hails from the Tonglushan Mine, which is the oldest continually operating copper mine in the world, dating back 3,500 years. This distinctive piece features a radial growth habit, with individual spheres of chalcopyrite naturally “cemented” together into a sculptural cluster. The metallic luster (almost a gun-metal grey) is characteristic of this copper-bearing sulfide mineral, offering a striking example of mineral formation under unique geological conditions. Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.35 x 2.28 cm. Weight: 1.17 oz (33.29 g) Locality: Tonglushan Mine, Daye County, Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province, China Mineral(s): Chalcopyrite ABOUT The Tonglushan Mine, located in Daye County within China’s Hubei Province, is part of one of the oldest and most historically significant mining regions in the world. Archaeological evidence indicates copper mining activity here for over 3,500 years—since the Chinese Bronze Age—making it the oldest continuously operating copper mine known. The name "Tonglushan" translates to "Green Copper Mountain," a reference to its rich ore-bearing deposits. Hubei Province holds some of the largest ore reserves in China, and the Daye area remains a hub of both industrial mining and mineral specimen production. The Tonglushan and nearby Fengjiashan Mines have gained international recognition for producing fine mineral specimens, including this rare form of chalcopyrite. These spherical chalcopyrite formations were first noted in early 2019 and are remarkable for their radial crystal structure and sculptural form. Unlike more common massive or disseminated forms of chalcopyrite, these specimens exhibit a concentric growth pattern with full internal and external chalcopyrite composition—an unusual morphology for the species. Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) is the most abundant copper ore mineral on Earth. Structurally similar to pyrite but chemically distinct, it contains copper along with iron and sulfur. The mineral is known for its metallic sheen and brassy to golden coloration, sometimes showing iridescent tones under the right conditions. References: Liu et al., 2013, Crystalline Treasures: The Mineral Heritage of China, The Mineralogical Record; The Arkenstone, 2019.