RCU-03
Cuprite With Native Copper
Poteryaevskoe Mine, Rubtsovskoe, Rudnyi Altai, Western-Siberian Region, Russia
Miniature, 4.9 x 3.4 x 2.7 cm
SOLD
Rising from a bit of matrix is a cluster of cuprite octahedra that start small at the bottom of the specimen and are surmounted by crystals at the apex to 1.8 cm in length. The crystals are exceptionally bright and splendent, slightly translucent and of a deep red color. Only at the mid-rear (on the backside) of the specimen is there noticeable damage, the piece otherwise being complete. On very close inspection, there are also a few minor subtle bits of wear to the left edge of the top cuprite cluster, but this is not immediately seen unless you go looking for it (though the piece would be more expensive were this not the case). So, overall, it's a very fine display quality miniature, with about the brightest luster of any here, and an unusual association with bright native copper growing in the center.