Crystallized Copper (RARE Mexico) Sal Avella Coll.

Item Description

Crystallized copper specimens are VERY RARE from any of the copper, silver and gold mines around the city of Cananea. Ores have been exploited since the first European settlers arrived in the 18th century (MINDAT) and open pit mining continues today. This is a solid sculptural, coral-like floater specimen of native copper. The piece consists of elongated clusters of stacked crystals with overall spinel-twinned form. The tiny, matte-finish, variably burnished crystals are actually very sharp, when viewed under a loupe. Most appear to be tetrahexadrons, but other crystal forms may also be present. This is probably old-time material, but no proof. This RARE, rich and fine Mexico copper is from the Sal Avella Copper Collection. His label price of $750 is a least 10 years old. We value this today, for rarity and quality, at $2500.