“If I told you these perfect metallic cubes weren’t man-made — but pulled from deep underground in Spain — would you believe me?”
This visually captivating lecture introduces the astonishing natural wonder of Navajún pyrite geometric crystals so flawlessly cubic, they’re often mistaken for man-made artifacts. Known as “fool’s gold,” pyrite (iron sulfide) is common across the globe, but nowhere does it form as it does in the small Spanish town of Navajún, where near-perfect cubes shimmer straight from the earth.
We’ll explore:
– What makes pyrite special, and why Navajún’s specimens are prized by scientists and collectors alike
– The geological processes behind these 130-million-year-old crystals, formed under rare conditions during the Cretaceous
– A look inside Mina Ampliación a Victoria, the privately owned site where miners delicately extract these treasures in situ
– A myth-busting segment on whether these crystals are “too perfect to be real”
– And finally, a reflection on why these cubes matter not just as collector’s items, but as reminders of nature’s precision and the beauty of deep time
Concluding with a powerful takeaway — “In a world where we often associate perfection with artificiality, Navajún pyrite reminds us: nature is the ultimate architect.”
Daniel Ulibarri began his journey into the world of minerals in 2004. While attending college in Tucson, Arizona, he received an unexpected invitation to work at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Little did he know that stepping into that show would change the course of his life.
The invitation came from Pedro Ansorena Conde, a respected figure in the mineral world known for his stunning cubic Pyrite specimens from Spain. Daniel was immediately captivated by the perfect crystallization of these specimens and quickly fell in love with them. Pedro invited him back the following year, and over time, Daniel began purchasing Pyrite from Pedro to sell at smaller gem shows across the country. With his car packed with Pyrite and his heart full of hope, Daniel hit the road, traveling across the U.S. to share the beauty of these natural crystals.
Daniel believed that if he simply shared the story behind the crystals, they would sell themselves. One of his biggest challenges was convincing people that these specimens were not cut or polished—they were entirely natural. But watching someone encounter cubic perfection for the first time became just as rewarding as making a sale. He still remembers the wide-eyed wonder of a young girl who whispered, “Is this magic?” upon seeing a Pyrite cube for the first time.
Over the years, Daniel became one of Pedro’s top customers. In 2021, Pedro announced his retirement from mining and offered to sell the mine to Daniel. Embracing the opportunity, Daniel officially took ownership in 2022.
In addition to selling at gem shows nationwide, Daniel’s specimens have been featured in several prominent collections and exhibitions.
He brings a new vision to the project. His goals include improving the quality of the specimens, expanding the range of products, and eventually transforming the mine into a major tourist destination in Spain. Daniel is committed to sustainable mining practices and hopes to use the mine to support local communities and foster a deeper appreciation for natural mineral formations.
Looking ahead, Daniel envisions the mine not only as a source of world-class Pyrite, but also as a destination for learning, discovery, and inspiration.