RARE Blue Sparkly Chalcopyrite Balls from Tonglushan Mine China / Dark Blue Iridescent Sparkly

This rare chalcopyrite specimen originates from the Tonglushan Mine in Daye County, Hubei Province, China— the oldest continuously operating copper mine in the world, with a documented history of copper extraction exceeding 3,500 years. Its name, “Green Copper Mountain,” reflects the copper-rich nature of the deposit and the oxidized minerals that once colored its surface.

The metallic luster and blue-gold tones are characteristic of this copper-bearing sulfide mineral.

Spherical chalcopyrite specimens from Tonglushan were first recognized on the collector market in early 2019 and remain exceedingly rare. Their concentric, radial growth structure represents an uncommon crystallization habit for chalcopyrite, which more typically forms in massive, granular, or disseminated aggregates. These spheres are composed entirely of chalcopyrite both internally and externally, rather than being surface coatings on other minerals, a feature that greatly enhances their scientific and collector significance. Specimens from this locality are increasingly scarce due to modern mining methods and restricted access, making well-preserved mineral examples particularly sought after by collectors.

Dimensions: 2 1/4" x 1 3/4"

*Stand is not included