SM20-317
Copper on and included in Calcite
Quincy Mine, Hancock, Houghton Co., Michigan, USA
Small Cabinet, 6.7 x 4.6 x 3.8 cm
SOLD

This is a dramatic specimen of one of the great U.S. classic finds: Copper in and on Calcite from the old copper district of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the upper penninsula of Michigan. It has real presence and a rich orange-pink color to it that, combined with the aesthetics, makes for a distinctive specimen. The nicely formed scalenohedral Calcite crystal measures a full two and three-quarters inches in length and contains a remarkable internal Calcite phantom coated with small leaf Copper crystals that makes the interior of this piece glow. There are several, small, complex clusters of Copper leaves on the exterior of the piece that grew just at the exterior of the main Calcite crystal and are intergrown with a later generation of small Calcite crystals for great effect, so not all of the Copper is confined to the interior of this striking piece. This is a major specimen from Michigan Copper Country! While there is no way to know for sure, most of these should have come out between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. A fine display-quality specimen, richer in color than most, that stands out on a shelf.