TUC14-24
Copper Pseudo. After Azurite
Copper Rose Mine, San Lorenzo, Georgetown District, Grant Co., New Mexico, USA
Miniature, 5.1 x 4.3 x 3.9 cm
SOLD

A complete floater with no visible point of attachment, this is an excellent example of native copper replacing in full the previous crystals of another species, in this case a rosette of azurite. The sharpness and size of this specimen for the locale are outstanding! The piece is a significant specimen for what it is, but also just a stunning mineral specimen in general. It really looks like someone just cast the copper in the form of an Azurite rose. It is that sharp and well-defined, with moderate luster and a rich chocolate-brown patina to it. Many of these fine pseudos were collected by George English and A.E. Foote in the 1890's and were sold to Eastern collectors and also to European collectors, and they are slowly being repatriated. I obtained this one in an old collection overseas. This is a classic New Mexico locality, now sadly gone.