Malachite ps. After Cuprite (excellent old classic)

Item Description

An outstanding, sculptural miniature cluster of sharp cuprite crystals, that have been partially pseudomorphed by malachite. The striking sharp crystals reach 1.2 cm. You can tell by the weight that the replacement is only partial, and cuprite remains at the core of the crystals. This is a classic and rarely seen specimen from the ancient Rudabanya District in Hungary. Formal mining in this area dates back to 1200's and as far back as the Neolithic Age for simple extraction of native copper. The large crystals are pristine and the front is essentially pristine. The few bruised crystals on the back are out-of-sight. That's a bit of tack on the piece and is easily removed. Valued at $750.