Aragonite incl. w/ Copper (old, rare locale) ex Philadelphia Academy

Manto Cuba Mine, San Pedro de Cachiyuyo Dist., Atacama Region, Chile
Cabinet, 11.0 x 8.4 x 6.8 cm
Start Time: 03/11/2010 6:30:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 03/18/2010 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

This is a dramatic, beautiful and sculptural, CABINET specimen. The surreal sea-green color of the lustrous aragonite looks fake, painted. However, the color is actually due to copper inclusions. Note the obvious presence of a rare green mineral in small, sharp crystals: probably libethenite or brochantite. Both are found at the mine, and I have a sample sent out for analysis. Ex. Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia Collection and obtained by Sam Gordon on one of his several trips to South America in the 1920s and 30s for the Academy. Very rare, seldom available, old-time material. Valued at $1200 for rarity, richness and size.

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