Native Copper

A handsome small miniature of arborescent crystallised Native Copper from the Tsumeb mine in Namibia.  The branches show a combination of elongated Native Copper crystal habits with the colour varying from copper red to bright copper bronze.  Well crystallised Native Copper occurred throughout the Tsumeb orebody, initially in the supergene zone and then in the three oxidation zones.  Although it is not known just where in the deposit this specimen originated, such dendritic aggregates are mainly associated with the 2nd Oxidation Zone which was mined between 24 and 35 Level and centred on 29 Level.  For reference, 29 Level was about 880 m below surface datum.  This small miniature Native Copper should be examined under magnification for its various crystal habits.  When displayed, the arborescent structure of this miniature has great visual impact.