RCU-20
Cuprite With Iodargyrite
Poteryaevskoe Mine, Rubtsovskoe, Rudnyi Altai, Western-Siberian Region, Russia
Miniature, 4.7 x 3.7 x 2.9 cm
SOLD
A superb floating large miniature, with both incredibly fine cuprite crystals and a rich and attractive association to native silver (which is highly unusual). Two, doubly-terminated, metallic, dark red octahedrons of cuprite (3.5 and 3 cm across), are stacked on top of each other in a cluster that looks good any which orientation you show it. The crystals are equant, well formed and remarkably free of flaws. They have high luster and are very sharp, one in particular showing unusual complex face modifications. The contrasting silver in webs of thin dendritic crystals, is a welcome accent. For overall style, and significance, this is one of our favorite pieces in the lots we have picked from. IT IS MUCH BETTER In PERSON - more 3-dimensional and more lustrous than the photos can easily convey!