Cuprite, Mimetite & Dolomite on Copper ore (Rob Smith Coll.)

Item Description

An OLD-TIME, important CABINET combination specimen from the upper levels of the famous and now-closed Tsumeb Mine. Sharp, gemmy and lustrous, wine-red cuprite crystals to 8 mm and gemmy and lustrous, golden-yellow mimetite crystals to 8 mm are artfully clustered or scattered on the 3-dimensional, foot or sandal-shaped matrix. The gemmy cuprite crystals GLOW, when backlit, as you can see. The rich copper ore matrix is covered with sparkly, drusy, dolomite microcrystals. The concentration of mimetite and cuprite crystals in or near the vug is striking. The matrix of this very fine specimen has a fracture, that runs across the bottom of the middle of the piece, but does not reach the top. We soaked the piece in acetone to make sure it has not been repaired and it did not come apart. We did stabilize the fracture with super glue. This classic and very showy Tsumeb combo piece is fairly valued at $2000. Ex Rob Smith Collection.