Copper (large, important piece)

Item Description

A large and dramatic copper with incredibly good reddish, old-style patina caused by a long slow oxidation over time, both in and then since it was removed from the mine. The crystal group was formerly in the collection of noted Keweenaw collector Jerry Hall and is an old piece with an absolutely beautiful antique patina. Mocha-caramel with subtle red undertones is probably the best way to describe the color. It's comprised entirely of twinned tetrahexahedra to 1cm. Many of the crystals on top are intergrown whereas most of the crystals on either side are fully terminated, some even branchy. The left side is loaded with tetrahexahedra. Fully crystallized all around, and no damage! This natural cuprite-like color patina is all too often cleaned off by acids, especially in the older pieces. A small bit of cleaved calcite is attached to one area, evidence this piece has not seen acid. The copper is heavy at nearly 2 kilos (1980 grams) and is very dramatic when shown either horizontal or vertical. It is complete all around. This is a VERY impressive piece, and particularly good for the mine. It was in the collection of well known copper-country collector Jerry Hall, and then of collector Matt Heilman. Valued at $2500