Native Copper (American Museum & Kay Robertson Coll.)

Item Description

A sculptural rich vein section of solid nubby copper from Bolivia. The green crusts of copper oxides are a fine contrast and accent. Formerly in the American Musuem Collection and was with Jean Hamel for two years. Ex Kay Robertson Collection # 6164 and acquired in the late 1960s or early 70s from Jean. Kay's label is incorrect. The famous Araca (Viloco) Mine is a cassiterite/tin and is also in La Paz Department. Oruro is a separate Department and there is also an Oruro City. This rich and excellent piece is probably from the well-known Corocoro copper district, famous for sharp unique native copper pseudomorphs after aragonite crystals. Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record). Undoubtedly old material, but no proof.