Copper & Silver halfbreed nugget (Columbia Univ.-AMNH Coll.)

Item Description

A sculptural and hefty 176-gram nugget of copper, with a 2.3 cm silver nugget jauntily placed on the crest. These are called "halfbreeds", historically. Although both are metals and occur freely in these mines, seldom do they mix into such nuggets. Halfbreeds with such attractive zoning as this are considered desirable. The rich, dark patina, green epidote and white analcime add color and character. Old-time and excellent material from the Columbia University-American Museum and Eugene Carmichael Collections.