Malachite after Cuprite (classic material)

Item Description

Here we have a classic example of the old specimens from the former Emke Mine (now Onganja Mine) in Namibia. These iconic speicmens are instantly recognizable, and some of the best examples of Cuprite after Malachite from anywhere in the world. In my mind they stand above the historic pieces from Chessy, France as the crystals are often larger, and in some cases are found on matrix! This piece features an excellent and fairly sharp, cuboctahedral crystal of Cuprite measuring 1.8 cm which has been replaced by velvety green Malachite sitting on Calcite on matrix. Good quality, no damage and showy. A worthwhile small cabinet sized piece of this now hard to find material. I value this one around $2,500 retail. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#35 N), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms.