Copper (fine crystals) (''floater'' specimen)

Item Description

Typically the Copper specimens from the Chengmenshan Mine can be a bit crude, sometimes only massive, or rough/lumpy in their form. THIS piece however is a superb crystallized example, featuring a gorgeous branching group of elongated crystals in a dendritic, almost organic-looking formation. The piece is crystallized on all sides, with no visible point of attachment, so I'm calling it a complete "floater". Under magnification, you can see each "arm" of the specimen is filled with many well-formed, distinct cubic and flattened octahedral crystals. The crystals have a beautiful variable patina and directional iridescence, adding a very pleasant viewing experience. A truly beautiful and fine quality Copper for the locality, certainly one of the best we've had to offer from Chengmenshan. This is not from recent find, but rather dates back to circa 2006-2007. Valued $1,500.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#91 C), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms.