Cuprite (gemmy red crystals) on Chrysocolla (ex Tom Campbell Collection)

Item Description

The Cuprite specimens from famous Mashamba West Mine in DR Congo are among the finest crystallized examples ever known. The crystals are not only large for the species, but they are notably sharp, well-formed, and often gemmy(!), which is not terribly common for crystals of this size. The intense blood-red color of the crystals (best seen when backlit) makes them incredibly desirable, and in the case of this specimen, it is a fantastic contrast for the beautiful greenish-blue Chrysocolla. This miniature display specimen features good-sized sharp, lustrous, well-formed, metallic, octahedral crystals sitting atop a layer of the aforementioned Chrysocolla on matrix. The large crystal of Cuprite on the top of the piece measures 1.8 cm. There is some fantastic glowing red color inside these crystals when they are backlit! The only real damage is on the back / side of the group, where it grew against the pocket wall. One rarely sees such fine quality Cuprite crystals like this on pleasing Chrysocolla matrix from this locality, and the piece displays wonderfully on its own without the aid of a base or clay. Good specimens of this material are rarely available on the market, and if you're a fan of secondary ore minerals or specimens from DR Congo, don't miss out on this one. Hard to photograph, better in person. Priced at $2,000. From the worldwide collection of Tom Campbell. Tom is a mineralogist and mineral collect who works with us here at The Arkenstone. He has over 35 years of experience in the fields of exploration geology, mining, and applied mineralogy, and has even more years under his belt as a collector! Tom has described many new species over the years, and discovered the rare phosphates Tiptopite, Fransoletite and Pahasapaite. Tom was also a co-author on the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals. You can see a list of Tom's published works here ( https://www.irocks.com/thomas-j-campbell-publications-list ).