Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
A cluster of lollingite crystals, made extra lustrous by the overgrowth of hundreds of tiny arenopyrite crystals.
The lollingites from Huanggang are the best in the world, and thanks to the mine's continued production, such specimens have become relatively accessible these days. As with specimens from any mine, the bulk of these are usually heavily damaged, though the main problem with these lollingites tends to be a lack of aesthetic form. When I see a piece with decent form, I buy it-- these are the best examples of the species, and I've learned to buy Chinese minerals as they are being found, as they inevitably disappear.
