Copper pseudomorph after Aragonite (old specimen) (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Huanzala Mine, Huallanca, Huallanca District, Bolognesi Province, Ancash, Peru
Thumbnail, 2.2 x 2.0 x 1.8 cm
Start Time: 09/07/2017 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 09/14/2017 6:58:01 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Here is a wonderful thumbnail size specimen of the famous pseudomorphs of Copper after Aragonite from Corocoro. These floater specimens are well known from Bolivia for their great form and color, and this piece has the classic and unique pseudohexagonal shape that has made these pieces some of the most well known and highly sought after pseudomorphs around. This piece is amazingly SHARP for the material, and is top notch for quality compared to the vast majority of the pieces from this are that I've handled. There hasn't been any significant amount of these specimens on the market in approximately 25 years, and they are often only found in old collections. This particular piece probably dates back at least 50 years, and may be around 60-70 years old. It has come to my attention that a Korean mining company has purchased the area around Corocoro to mine exclusively for Copper, and it will be very difficult to obtain new material as long as they're in production. Ex Kay Robertson Collection (#13092). Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record). A great thumbnail specimen of this beloved material from Bolivia.

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