Cuprite (fine crystals) (ex Brian Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

A truly beautiful and fine quality example of crystallized Cuprite from Bisbee. This famous locality in southern Arizona was not only the source of some of the richest copper ore in the United States, but it also yielded superb crystallized specimens of many secondary ore species. This particular piece hosts excellent quality, very sharp, well-formed, metallic crystals of Cuprite measuring up to about 4 mm sitting on Calcite matrix. If you look closely, you'll see that the habit of the larger Cuprite crystals varies from simple octahedrons to modified cuboctahedral crystals. When backlit, the crysatls GLOW with that classic deep blood red hue for which the species is known. Additionally, you can see some selective depositions of mint green Malachite on certain faces of the Cuprites, creating a very pleasing effect. A small bit of branching native copper can be seen on the piece as well for a nice touch. Lastly, you'll notice that there is a section of smaller tightly intergrown Cuprite crystals with more of a brighter red hue than the larger ones, which is unusual in my experience. No major damage that I can find and the piece looks beautiful up close. Priced at $1,500. Ex Brian Kosnar Collection.