NATIVE COPPER

SPECIMEN DESCRIPTION

At almost 1 kg of large crystals of Native Copper this is a significant specimen from the famous Calumet & Hecla mine in Houghton Co., Michigan. Cabinet size, and perfect for display, the Native Copper crystals reach 2.5 cm across displaying rounded blocky, yet pointed, forms. The Native Copper is dull and orange-brown in colour suggestive of significant age. An area of pale green secondary copper efflorescence is prominent on the front of the specimen within a slight depression, suggesting that water was pooled there in the past. Calumet & Hecla mine is one of the most famous of the Michigan copper mines for chunky crystals of Native Copper, and this is a very fine example. Ex David Hardman collection, no. 28.