Cuprite var. Chalcotrichite

Many blood red areas of Chalcotrichite, the acicular variety of Cuprite, line shallow vugs of up to 2 cm long together with tiny Cuprite crystals on a Chloritic-Quartz matrix from Wheal Phoenix, at Minions close to Linkinhorne in Cornwall. When carefully examined, this small cabinet specimen is much richer in Chalcotrichite than first perceived, the Chalcotrichite forming as individual crystals and rich velvet-like mats. Admittedly it is not the best or richest of Cornish specimens, but it is one of those which exudes history and age, obviously originating form a very early collection based on its appearance and accompanying (very) old copperplate handwritten label. It’s a really lovely old-time specimen from Wheal Phoenix and if displayed in a more antique looking box, then all boxes would be ticked!