Cuprite-coated Copper (classic locale)

Item Description

A dramatic and sculptural, large cabinet specimen of native plate copper from the famous Chimney Rock (Bound Brook) Quarry of New Jersey. The Chimney Rock Quarry was excavated on top of the old Chimney Rock Copper Mine and has been known for its copper minerals for many years. Although the copper minerals occur in the veins that transect the basalt, most of the copper is found in the Late Triassic-Early Jurassic (225 to 190 million years ago) Passaic Formation sediments immediately beneath the basalt. The Passaic Formation beds are red-bed mudstones. Molten copper deposition in the laminated mudstones gave this striking piece its shape and cuprite the rich red color. This is classic old-time combination material. A former dealer sold this as native silver coated by copper oxide, at a higher price, but the material is classic for the location and is, definitely, copper. However, looks can fool..