A fantastic example of native copper with cuprite and native silver from the new find in Russia!!! While there were a number of
copper and cuprite specimens to be found at the Tucson show, we were on the hunt for truly unique and unusual examples!!! This
specimen consists of a complex cluster of sharply formed, chunky crystals of native copper and native copper pseudomorphs after
cuprite!!! Some of the pseudomorphic copper crystals still host small amounts of cuprite on their surfaces!!! The crystals and pseudomorphs
are much sharper and more defined than they appear in the pics!!! What makes this specimen unique however, is that the
native copper crystals host a rich showing of small, epitaxial crystals of native silver studded across their surfaces!!! While native silver
has been found on the cuprite specimens with some frequency, these unusual silver-coated copper specimens are quite scarce (we have only seen a few!)!!!
Additionally, there are some crystals of native silver among the cuprite crystals that are quite thick and chunky by comparison to the fine, almost
spongiform masses that sometimes accompany the cuprite crystals!!! In addition to the silver crystals, there are some areas of
unidentified translucent crystals as well!!! There is a LOT going on with this specimen and there is a lot more to see
upon close inspection in person!!! This specimen displays quite handsomely in person and the native copper has a unique patina due to
the native silver association!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED MONDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 3-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9th!!!
**We have just returned from the annual Gem & Mineral Show in Tucson, Arizona!!! Be sure to stay tuned as we will be listing our exciting acquisitions throughout the next coming weeks!!!***
