Copper (excellent crystallized specimen)

Item Description

Sometimes the Copper specimens from the Copper Falls Mine, can be somewhat rudimentary or even "clunky", but THIS piece is one of the finest crystallized examples we've ever had to offer from the locality. The piece is loaded with dozens of euhedral, well-formed, defined crystals measuring up to 1.1 cm across, which are associated with minor translucent off-white Calcite, and no matrix. The habits of the Copper crystals are largely dodecahedrons, but there are clear octahedral, tetrahexahedral and trapezohedral faces that can be seen. The piece is not only a fine display specimen, but it's also a morphological treasure, best seen up close. I love the sculptural and flowing shape of the piece, it's not just a flat plate, it has real character and visceral appeal. A wonderful and impressive old-time specimen from the famed Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Valued $3,500-$4,000.
From the collection of George Elling, a prominent East Coast collector, with labels from the collection of Phil Scalisi and Harvard University (originally donated by Alex Agassiz, who made a fortune mining copper through his ownership of the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company).