Las Cruces mine, northwest of Seville, is an example of mining in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. But it must be said that minerals those have been found there are not at all common in other deposits of this geological megastructure. Exceptional specimens of chalcocite and djurleite stand out from this mine. This specimen we offer is a magnificent specimen of the latter species, djurleite (an orthorhombic copper sulfide). We can observe aggregates formed by several idiomorphic crystals with octahedral shape and a metallic gray luster. They are disposed on a matrix formed by other copper and iron sulfides. As is usual in these specimens and has already been indicated in previous studies, these crystals may correspond to phases of djurleite/chalcocite. In this case we have carried out an X-ray diffraction that confirms it is djurleite.

Size: 4.2 x 3.3 x 2.5 cm.
Found in ±2011.

Col. Andrés Jiménez Shelly (Madrid).

This is a very good sized specimen of hematite from the group of mines called "Monte de Hierro" (Iron Hill), whose concessions were between the terms of San Nicolás del Puerto and Constantina, although most of the surface is found in the first municipality mentioned. This specimen belongs from the Trigo collection (Mataró) and according to the label it was extracted in 1989 by Julián García.

Size: 9.3 x 7.4 x 4 cm.
Found in ±1989.

These specimens were extracted in Loma de Hamapega (hill), a short mountain range between the localities of Alanís and Guadalcanal. Various minerals were analyzed, among which we highlight conichalcite, green in color, azurite and some earthy aggregates that turned out to be chenevixite. We will send analyses to the buyer. A sample for local collectors.

Size: 7.3 x 5.7 x 4.6 cm.
Found in 2021.

Analyzed specimen with report

Las Cruces mine, northwest of Seville, is an example of mining in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. But it must be said that minerals those have been found there are not at all common in other deposits of this geological megastructure. Exceptional specimens of chalcocite and djurleite stand out from this mine. This specimen we offer is a magnificent specimen of the latter species, djurleite (an orthorhombic copper sulfide). We can observe aggregates formed by several idiomorphic crystals with octahedral shape and a metallic gray luster. They are disposed on a matrix formed by other copper and iron sulfides. As is usual in these specimens and has already been indicated in previous studies, these crystals may correspond to phases of djurleite/chalcocite. In this case we have carried out an X-ray diffraction that confirms it is djurleite. An exceptional piece, for "gray" mineral collectors, that nowadays is very difficult to get.

Size: 8.7 x 6.3 x 5 cm.
Found in ±2011.

In this specimen, we observed some sulfide aggregates very characteristic of Las Cruces mine. They were partially covered with calcite and under it appear groups of very brilliant chalcocite crystals. But the most interesting part of this specimen are the small, very brilliant crystals those cover sulphides. It is an unusual species: Luzonite. Luzonite is a rare copper sulfoarsenide. I have made the relevant analysis that yields consistent results: S 35.19%, Cu 41.82%, As 22.99% (%wt). You can find more information at espiadellabo.com.

Size: 8 x 6.5 x 4.7 cm.

Analyzed specimen with report

Gray djurleite well defined crystals (largest group 9 mm) interpenetrated, showing octahedral forms, with triangular faces. On a matrix of copper sulphides. As usual of these specimens, they may actually correspond to phases of djurleite-chalcocite. We can consider the specimens of Las Cruces mine among the best worldwide. From the former Povill collection.

Size: 8.8 x 6.8 x 4.3 cm.
Main crystal: 9 mm. 20 x 18 mm aggr.

Excol. J. Povill (Olesa de Montserrat, Barcelona)

The label of this specimen reads "Sevilla". In the catalog of the Manchion collection it is mentioned that this piece of schorl-dravite was acquired to Dr. Joan Viñals, at the Granollers fair in 1988. For that reason, in the absence of more info, we will leave this wonderful Andalusian region as its origin. M. Calvo talks about tourmalines in pegmatites from the Los Ángeles mine, near El Castillo de las Guardas, in Seville.

Size: 4.5 x 3.8 x 3.6 cm.
Found in ±1988.

Col. J.M. Manchion (Barcelona). No. 399. J. Viñals, 1988.

Group of rhombohedral calcite crystals with a complex combination showing defined faces and rounded edges. Translucent and very curious waxy luster. On them various prehnite globular aggregates formed by radial growths. A very unusual mineralogical curiosity.

Size: 6.0 x 5.2 x 3.7 cm.
Found in 2014.

Fluorescent under long wave UV