Copper w/ Malachite, Cuprite, Calcite (Sensel Coll.)

Item Description

A showy and hefty, old-time combination specimen from the upper oxidized levels of the famous Tsumeb Mine. Two generations of malachite: scattered, sparkly dark green botryoids; and light green crusts cover the matrix of this knobby, mounded, 360-degree piece. The matrix is either copper or cuprite. Spinel-twinned copper crystals with a nice patina jut out, one end has a field of sparkly, wine-red, cuprite microcrystals and blocky calcite rhomb cleavages add much character. Crusts of RARE sky-blue chrysocolla are also plainly visible, which really adds to the attractiveness and rarity of this piece. Ex Dr. Eugene Sensel Collection and obtained in 1976. Hefty and rich copper ore at 706 grams or over 1.5 pounds.