large Calcite with Copper inclusions

Item Description

This item is part of a special benefit auction for the Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals (ricenorthwestmuseum.org). Items are either deaccessions from the museum's collection or were donated by generous supporters listed below.

Auction open April 1, 2021 through April 17, 2021.

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, April 19, for payment using PayPal or credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost, or please contact brandy@mineralauctions.com if you'd like to plan on picking up items at future shows or during a stop through Dallas.

A huge crystal of calcite, showing complex growth with multiple terminations culminating in a giant upright crystal, perched on matrix. Copper-included calcite is an old classic of this area, and this is a giant example. Most of them are said to date from the 1850s through about 1950, and this is surely an oldtimer itself. The copper occurs as disseminated, tiny particles floating within the calcite and gives it a slight color, with visible specks on close examination. While this piece does not have particularly rich inclusions, it has an even color and it is simply huge - important, for the size. It is complete all around.