Chain-like stack of arborescent and spinel twin crystals from New Mexico. Ex collections of Buck Keller and William Hladysz, this has just a hint of matrix adhering, but is mostly a sculptural tower of Copper. No damage and with a nice patina, this is an older piece that predates the Chino mine find that became famous in 2001. This piece almost certainly came from the Chino mine zone too, but that is not recorded on the previous label and we do not like to attribute without certainty. The Chino is a huge pit that has now encompassed other smaller mines, so many details of locality have gotten lost over time. A very nice copper from anyplace.
Copper -spinel twinned
stock #18.AX-499
Emke Mine, Onganja, Seiis
Khomas Region,
Namibia
3.9 x 1.2 x .4 CM (miniature)
price: $100
A spire of interlocked spinel twin Copper crystals with side branches and sharp terminations. From the now classic, closed Emke mine at Oganja, this is the style and habit that are distinctive for this locale. No damage, nice patina and especially nice under magnification. Larger examples from this locale are highly desired and now very expensive. This is a choice smaller piece that is perfect and affordable. .
Copper with Cuprite
stock #18.1-281
Ray Mine, Ray District, Dripping Springs Mountain, Pinal county
Arizona,
United States
6.1 x 5.7 x 4.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $160
Worldwide mix summer
A thin fan like sheet and branching Copper crystals that is partly coated with Cuprite. The Cuprite is in epitaxial crystals and flattened on the Copper. From the Ray mine where many fine Coppers were found, this example is illustrative of the thin vein fillings and coatings that were so significant there. In fine condition and a colorful example, some secondary Copper oxides add a green color to contrast the red Cuprite and metallic Copper hues.
Copper- twinned crystals
stock #AX-19-164
Itauz Mine, Zhilandy group
Karagandy Province,
Kazakhstan
5.5 x .9 x .4 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $175
Spring update
Complex twinned crystals in a branching display with fine patina. No damage, a choice example of the great spinel twin habits that have been found in Kazakstan. Looks fine on all sides, a very good value.
Copper with Quartz
stock #AX-19-163
Onganja Mine, Windhoek District
Khomas Region,
Namibia
5.1 x 2.8 x 1.7 CM (miniature)
price: $350
Spring update
A crystallized sculpture of Copper from the famed Onganja mine that has several crystallized Quartz clusters perched. In fine condition, the Quartz seems to have formed on a Calcite core. A rare association, the tiny Quartz crystals are very clear, adding a sparkling accent. The Copper is in branching crystals with some showing crude spinel twinning and flattened, stretched octahedrons. Quartz is not a common association in these coppers.
Wonderful esthetics! Slender wires in branches holding spinel twinned Copper crystals in Herringbone arrays. A very old specimen from the famed Phoenix mine, in perfect condition. A superb, textbook example of these habits that is much more delicate than most Phoenix specimens. Under magnification it seems a small dab of Silver is present as well as a small modified cube. It is remarkable that this piece has remained intact.
Copper pseudomorph after Azurite rosette
stock #15.1-1118-(SM3654)
Copper Rose Mine, Georgetown, Grant County
New Mexico,
United States
4 x 2.9 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $320
Spring 2017
A fantastic Copper after Azurite rosette that is sharp, very large and quite old. An early Wards label (likely 1900-20) is included and one from the Charles Noll collection as well. This habit and style is unique to this locality and this specimen perfectly preserves the form of the Azurite crystals and the rose shaped cluster they grew in. Nice patina and in perfect condition.
Copper - spinel twin - exceptional
stock #16.1-315
Itauz Mine, Zhilandy group
Karagandy Province,
Kazakhstan
6.8 x 2.2 x 1.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $900
Spring 2017
We have seen and handled a lot of nice Kazakhstan Coppers, which can be very fine. This small cabinet specimen is my personal favorite so far. Textbook sharp linked chain of crystals in a perfect floater with a tree-like spray on top of the elongated spinel twins. Fantastic form, no damage at all and with a nice patina. A worthy and esthetic piece that is incredible in person.
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